Occupied Palestine, February 9 2014
The Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions National Committee (BNC), the broad coalition of Palestinian civil society organisations that works to support the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement is following with solidarity the latest developments in Greece and want to congratulate Syriza for the victory in the recent elections.
The Greek people have made a choice not to accept foreign domination over their own decisions. We admire their courage and determination to vote for an end to EU-imposed policies of austerity and to defend their dignity and rights.
For the Palestinian people, the election of the Greek government sparks new hope because we know that among the fundamental principles and projects of Syriza stands solidarity with the Palestinian struggle for justice, freedom and return.
The party and its members have been active in and supportive of solidarity movements and popular initiatives with our cause within Greece throughout Syriza’s history.
Already in 2012 Syriza has included the call for an end to all military cooperation with Israel in its program. This move supports the ever-growing popular movements for the implementation of the Palestinian call for military embargo against Israel. Slowly this call finds echoes as well in the corridors of power. We have a common interest in this: the costly arms deals and cooperation with Israel weighs on the Greek budget just as it fuels Israeli wars against our people by creating profits for weapons and technology tested upon the Palestinian people. The latest massacre in Gaza in July/August 2014 that killed over 2,200 people and left the besieged Strip even more in shatters than before, was just the latest show that Israel’s crimes won’t end as long as its ability to act with impunity remains.
As part of the parliamentary processes, Syriza members have repeatedly stood up for Palestine and for military and economic sanctions against Israeli occupation, colonialism and apartheid. Syriza MPs have been part of the Gaza Flotillas that have attempted to break the illegal Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip. Last year Syriza MPs started opposition to the negotiations for the purchase of Israeli Airspace Industries Heron drones on the grounds that the would finance Israeli war economy and strengthen the militarization of Greek borders and xenophobic anti-immigration policies. Syriza’s members of the European Parliament have supported the recent call for an immediate end to the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
Syriza has set out to introduce a new model of politics to Europe based on the rights, needs, solidarity and demands of the people and we trust we can continue this path together with you. It is not an easy task but if you succeed to translate your principles into practice we will all win.
Our solidarity and best wishes,
Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions National Committee – BNC
– See posted at: https://www.bdsmovement.net/2015/palestinian-civil-society-letter-to-the-people-of-greece-following-the-victory-of-syriza-13055#sthash.3odBXFPt.dpuf