Yassin Killing will Deepen the Cycle of Violence

International Confederation Of Free Trade Unions

Middle East: Killing of Sheik Yassin will Deepen the Cycle of Violence

Brussels, 23 March 2004 (ICFTU Online): The ICFTU today condemned the continuing Israeli government policy of targeted assassination, with the killing of Palestinian Sheik Ahmed Yassin and 7 others in Gaza on 22 March.

This action, which also wounded 17 other people, has been condemned as unlawful by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and leaders from around the world. The assassination policy has failed to end terrorism, and has not ensured security for either Israelis or Palestinians.

The prospects of a peaceful resolution of the conflict have now been put yet further out of reach. A genuine commitment to resolving the conflict is urgently needed, through dialogue between the Israeli and Palestinian authorities, with the full support of the international community.

This must be done on the basis of the relevant UN Resolutions and the "Road Map" for peace. In the absence of this, the cycle of terrorist attack and murderous reprisal will continue with appalling consequences. Innocent working people and their families are amongst the main victims of this violence, and the trade union movement, in the region and internationally, will do all it can to help bring about a just peace.

The ICFTU represents over 150 million workers in 233 affiliated organisations in 152 countries and territories. ICFTU is also a member of Global Unions: http://www.global-unions.org

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