Statement

For immediate Release

NCCAR Condemns Liberal Ken Dryden's Call

for Collective Punishment of Palestinians

Ottawa , October 6, 2008 -- NCCAR expresses strong dismay over Ken Dryden's statement: “Stop all aid that flows into Gaza . While that may seem a harsh measure that will hurt Palestinian civilians… it is the right thing to do at this time.”  ( Israel 's Party Mixer, Dryden blurs Liberal stance on Mideast , Paul Weinberg, NOW, October 1-8, 2008).

Israel 's blockade of the Gaza Strip is already an act of war against the 1.5 million people living there. Ken Dryden's call to deprive the area of humanitarian supplies would qualify as war crime under the UN charter and the Geneva conventions.  Canadian constituents, including Arabs and Muslims, are extremely concerned by Mr. Dryden's advocacy of a war crime against the population of the Gaza Strip. Dryden's call may also be a violation of the Canadian Human Rights act.

NCCAR demands a written clarification by the Liberal Party leader of his party's position. NCCAR further calls on Mr Dryden to renounce these statements and apologize to Canadians, or remove himself from the campaign.

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Contact:

Bahija Réghaï, NCCAR President, 613-238-3795, nccar@nccar.ca