For immediate release

NCCAR Welcomes Ceasefire in Northern Lebanon; Calls for Increased Support of UNRWA

Ottawa, May 23, 2007 – NCCAR welcomes the ceasefire between the Lebanese army and Fatah al-Islam. It has allowed rescue and humanitarian workers to enter Nahr Al-Bared refugee camp, and thousands of trapped Palestinian civilians were able to flee to Beddawi, a nearby refugee camp.

As the Lebanese authorities move to restore law and order within Lebanon, we call on them to take all necessary precautions to prevent civilian casualties among a refugee population already in distress.

Hoda Samra, spokeswoman for the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said that their clinics are “working double shifts” providing relief aid to those who have sought refuge in schools and centres in the Beddawi refugee camp and in Tripoli.

“We urge the Canadian government to fully support UNRWA as it faces added responsibilities towards Palestinian refugees in Lebanon,” stated NCCAR President, Bahija Réghaï.

-End-

NCCAR Executive Director: Samah Sabawi, (613) 238-3795, samah(at)nccar(dot)ca.