----- Original Message -----

To: john.manley@dfait-maeci.gc.ca ; manlej@parl.gc.ca

Sent: Friday, December 14, 2001 9:59 PM

Subject: Selective concern for terrorism.

We have been hearing, quite rightly, our government's condemnation of the recent terrorist attacks in the US and against innocent civilians in Israel. However, there is a deafening silence about the continuing brutal campaign by Mr. Sharon and the Israeli government against the entire innocent civilian population in the occupied territories, killing innocent men,women and children and demolishing homes and denying any semblance of humanity to an oppressed occupied people, in blatant violation of international law and the Fourth Geneva Convention. We are appalled at our government's selective condemnation of terrorism, particularly the omission of condemnation of Israeli state terrorism. As reaffirmed recently in Switzerland, it is the responsibility of the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to ensure that all signatories, including even Israel, should abide by the Convention.

It must be evident that the cause of violence enacted by some Palestinians is a direct result of the oppressive and brutal occupation that they have been subjected to for over 34 years. Surely it is time for our Government to call for an end to the illegal occupation, that stands in defiance of international law and Security Council resolutions. Occupation is violence and the termination of this occupation is the only way to bring peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis.