RMT calls on transport workers' international to condemn Israeli attack on Lebanon and to demand immediate ceasefire
RMT: July 31 2006
TRANSPORT UNION RMT will this week call on the International Transport Workers' Federation to condemn Israel's continued bloody assault on the Lebanese people and the failure of the US and British governments to demand an immediate ceasefire.
An emergency motion submitted to the ITF Congress, which begins in Durban, South Africa today, also condemns the clandestine use of Prestwick airport to transport US weapons of mass destruction to Israel.
The motion pays tribute to those in the Royal Fleet Auxillary and all transport workers who have supported the humanitarian effort in Lebanon, and would commit the ITF to work alongside the United Nations to ensure that aid reaches those who need it.
"The number-one international priority is to stop the mass slaughter of innocent people," RMT general secretary Bob Crow said today.
"The unrelenting indiscriminate bombardment of civilians is a crime against humanity, which has been given tacit approval by the shameful silence of both the British and US governments.
"Allowing the use of Prestwick or any other UK airport to airlift weapons of mass destruction to Israel in the midst of the carnage gives the lie to the pretence that the British government is somehow seeking a 'diplomatic solution'.
"While the rest of the world has condemned the bombing of southern Lebanon, Bush is sending Israel more weapons of mass destruction and Blair is standing by in criminal complicity.
"The world is demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasfire," Bob Crow said.
ends
Note to editors:The text of the RMT emergency motion to the ITF Congress follows
RMT EMERGENCY MOTION TO ITF CONGRESS
Lebanon
"Congress condemns the continuing violence in the Middle East and Israel's continued assault on the Lebanese people. Congress condemns Israel's refusals to support a ceasefire and is appalled at the unfolding tragedy of loss of life and human suffering and the destruction of Lebanon since the start of the conflict on 12th July.
"Congress also condemns the US and UK Government for failing to support calls for an immediate ceasefire and believes that they are increasingly isolated from world opinion.
"Congress further condemns the US and UK Governments for usingPrestwickAirport, in Scotland, to assist US planes carrying bombs to Israel
"Congress pays tribute to the members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and all transport workers supporting the humanitarian effort in Lebanon.
"Congress agrees to work with the UN and international community to ensure immediate humanitarian aid reaches Lebanon and for the release of all prisoners seized during the conflict.
"Finally Congress believes lasting peace will only be ensured in the Middle East through the implementation UN resolutions requiring Israel's withdrawal from the territories it illegally occupied in 1967 and a two state solution for Israel and Palestine. "