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| PCHR Palestinian Centre for Human Rights PRESS RELEASE |
Ref: 128/2005
Date: 14 October 2005
PCHR hosts the Austrian Representative to the PNA
On Tuesday 11 October 2005, the Austrian representative to the PNA, Dr. Leonhard Moll, visited PCHR and met the Center’s Director, Mr. Raji Sourani, and the Director of the Democratic Development Unit, Mr. Hamdi Shaqqura. The meeting focused on the Israeli disengagement from the Gaza Strip.
During the meeting, Mr. Sourani reiterated the Center’s position that the Israeli occupation is still in effect in the physical and legal forms, and that the 4th Geneva Convention is still applicable to the Gaza Strip and Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). Mr. Sourani affirmed that the ongoing economic and social strangulation, closure of international border crossings, isolation from the West Bank and Jerusalem, Israeli air raids and assassinations, and the establishment of a security zone in the north and east of the Gaza Strip confirm the Center’s position, which was published a year ago.
In addition, the meeting discussed the upcoming Palestinian legislative elections in January 2006, and their strategic importance to Palestinian democracy and establishing the rule of law.
Delegation from “DEMOS” and “Christian Aid – UK” visit PCHR
On Wednesday 12 October 2005, a delegation from DEMOS, a UK based think tank, and Christian Aid – UK visited PCHR and met Mr. Raji Sourani and Eoin Murry, Director of PCHR’s International Unit. It is noted that DEMOS is an important think tank with access to government, MPs, academics, and media in the UK. The meeting discussed the general situation in the Gaza Strip. In addition, the Center organized a field visit throughout the Strip to inform the visitors about its humanitarian situation.
Sourani meets the Commissioner-General of UNRWA
UNRWA’s Commissioner-General, Ms. Karen Koning AbuZayd, met Mr. Raji Sourani in her office on Thursday 13 October 2005. The meeting discussed UNRWA’s programs and development plan. In addition, both discussed the economic crisis and unemployment in the Gaza Strip, and UNRWA’s plans to combat them.
During the meeting, Mr. Sourani strongly condemned the kidnapping of internationals in the Gaza Strip. He stated that in addition to these kidnappings being legal crimes, they are also national crimes that undermine and distort the view of the Palestinian people. In addition, he indicated that these kidnappings have turned away international organizations and journalists from the Gaza Strip. Mr. Sourani affirmed his statements constitute PCHR’s public position regarding these crimes.
Mr. Sourani commended Ms. AbuZayd personally and UNRWA under her leadership for the important services rendered to the Palestinian people in these difficult circumstances.
PCHR hosts a delegation from “Collectif Urgence Palestine”
PCHR’s Director, Mr. Raji Sourani, and Deputy Director, Mr. Jaber Weshah met a delegation from “Collectif Urgence Palestine,” a Palestine solidarity organization in Switzerland. The delegation consisted of Swiss civil society activists, physicians, lawyers, academics, and professionals in the social and humanitarian fields. PCHR is hosting the delegation in the Strip for 6 days.
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Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
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