(L - R) MLA Gerry McHugh, Mairéad Corrigan Maguire, MLA Dr Kieran Deeny
© Joe ÓNéill
(L - R) MLA Gerry McHugh, Martin McAllister, (Chair, Armagh Fianna Fáil Forum)
Senator Cecelia Keaveney, (Fianna Fáil) Mariéad Corrigan Maguire,
Padraig Murphy, (Chair, Fermanagh Fianna Fáil Forum)
MLA Dr Kieran Deeny
© Joe ÓNéill
(L - R) Senator Cecelia Keaveney, (Fianna Fáil)
Mairéad Corrigan Maguire
© Joe ÓNéill
Nobel Peace Laureate, Mairéad Maguire Corrigan, added her voice to the growing number of Irish citizens calling for the Irish government to expel the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland, Dr Zion Evrony.
Ms Corrigan was speaking yesterday in the Long Gallery of the Northern Ireland Assembly, at a meeting hosted by independent members of the Assembly, Gerry McHugh, and Dr Kieran Deeny.
Speaking to an audience of Assembly members, staffers, opponents of the Gaza blockade, and local press, Ms Corrigan reminded the audience that despite the fact that she and her fellow peace activists had been released, the humanitarian aid that was seized by Israeli armed forces, remained on board the peace flotilla vessels in the Israeli port of Ashdod. Personal property of the activists, including laptops, camera equipment, and other valuables worth thousands of Euros were also confiscated. She described the seizure of the Irish vessel in international waters an act of piracy by the State of Israel.
Ms Corrigan called for an independent inquiry into the killing of the Turkish humanitarian aid workers by Israeli commandos aboard the Turkish ship, the Mavi Mamara. She said that her feeling was that the inquiry set up by the Israeli government into the killings, would not be acceptable to the Turkish government and people. A former member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Lord Trimble, will serve on the Israeli inquiry team.
Ms Corrigan also called for the special trading status accorded to the state of Israel by the EU to be rescinded.
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While I would support, and have previously called on EU to remove the 'special trading status' from Israel I think breaking diplomatic relations with this state would be counter-productive at this time.
ReplyDeleteRather might we not invite the legitimate government of Gaza to talks in Dublin to discuss and take on board their concerns and needs?
I support Israel. They offered to deliver the humanitarian aid. The "peace activists" did not want to go that route,they wanted to fight and came prepared to do so.
ReplyDeletePalestinians do not want peace. Arafat stood on UN podium with gun, was in charge of killing Israeli's at '72 Munich Olympics. They could have had peace long age if they want it, could have it now.
Although I sympathize with the Palestinians, I sympathize equally with the Israeliis. It is the fringe elements and extremists in both nations who have caused this latest incident to take place. Why on earth would one want to expel an Israeli diplomat to Ireland? I so agree with the poster Mark Hughes.
ReplyDeleteI cannot help but wonder if a few of those on the vessel were not overly aggressive themselves. Maybe I am wrong, but I cannot help but wonder. I am quite sure that the Israelii soldiers were inappropriate and aggressive as well, however. This is a real problem that the supporters of Israel need to face and address. They are not saints and need to look inward.