The STUC Annual Conference, APR 18 – 20, 2005, has, unlike in 2004, wisely avoided openly anti-Semitic motions in its preliminary agenda (subsequently withdrawn after protest). However, the Glasgow Trades Union Council - in a cringing motion No 104 asking the STUC to offer its respect for the late corrupt, terror master and obstacle to peace Yasser Arafat - has again proposed the suggestion that any future Palestinian state should have Jerusalem (note; not just East Jerusalem) as its capital. If carried, this would become STUC policy.

Wishes for peace and security for the Palestinians abound. No such desire expressed for Israelis.
SG.

SCOTTISH TRADES UNION CONGRESS

ANNUAL CONGRESS 2005

PRELIMINARY

AGENDA

Caird Hall, Dundee

Monday 18 APRIL – Wednesday 20 APRIL 2005

103.Palestine

That this Congress notes that, in July 2004, the UN International Court of Justice in the Hague ruled:

• the construction of the wall being built by Israel, the occupying power in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem, and its associated regime, is contrary to international law;

• Israel is under an obligation to terminate its breaches of international law; it is under an obligation to cease forthwith the works of construction of the wall being built in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem, to dismantle forthwith the structure therein situated, and to repeal or render ineffective forthwith all legislative and regulatory acts relating thereto, in accordance with paragraph 151 of this Opinion;

• Israel is under an obligation to make reparation for all damage caused by the construction of the wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem; and

• all States are under an obligation not to recognise the illegal situation resulting from the construction of the wall, and not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by such construction; and

• all States party to the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilian persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949 have, in addition, the obligation, while respecting the United National Charter and international law, to ensure compliance by Israel with international humanitarian law as embodied in that Convention.

“Congress, therefore, calls upon the British Government to press the Government of Israel to demolish the wall and end the occupation of Palestinian territory.”Mover - Communication Workers’ Union

104. Palestine

“That this Congress records its respect to Yasser Arafat, the former leader of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, and sends the Palestinian people its warmest wishes for peace, liberation and security.

“Congress congratulates Mahmoud Abbas on becoming the new President of the Palestinian Authority and asserts that the trade union movement in Scotland will continue to campaign to secure Palestinian self determination.

“Congress notes that the UK and American Governments have stated that they now wish to see an end to the turmoil and war in the Middle East. We welcome this, but would impress that any settlement needs to ensure that the Israeli Government complies with UN resolutions 242 and 338.

“Congress asks the General Council to:

• call for a major Peace Conference to be held, to discuss the signing of a peace agreement by Israel and Palestine;

• make representations to the UK Government, seeking the establishment of an independent, sovereign, viable democratic Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital;

• draw attention to the continuing plight of the Palestinian people, particularly to the poverty and fear they experience in their daily lives, and seek to publicise this, wherever possible, through organising events and conferences;

• seek continuing moral and financial support from the trade union movement to help the Palestinian people.”

Mover - Glasgow Trades Union Council
Annual Congress 2005 Preliminary Agenda 100

Web Design surfgate7 - copyright: MRG ©2004