Arabic version available by following this link.
Birzeit, 29 February , 2000
Federation of Unions of Palestinian Universities and
Higher Education Institutions
Public Statement
In a meeting held in Ramallah, the Federation of Unions of Employees
in the Palestinian Universities discussed the incidents which took
place on the campus of Birzeit University following the visit of French
Prime Minister Lionel Jospin. The federation issued the following
statement to clarify its position towards the incident:
- All Palestinians appreciate the French position of support for
the establishment of an independent Palestinian State. The position
towards Jospin’s visit and the boycott of his visit is a direct response
to his statements expressing his support and bias towards Israel and
encouraging its aggressive attacks against the dignity and freedom of
the Arab people.
- The reaction that went beyond the peaceful protest against the
visit was not planned or expected by Birzeit employees, the student
movement, or the university administration and does not express its
peaceful direction.
- We, in the federation, insist on the need to coordinate the
efforts of all bodies in the university to overcome the current crisis in
a manner which ensures the continuity of the academic process and
the sanctity of the university campus.
Federation of Unions of Palestinian Universities and
Higher Education Institutions
Union of Teachers and Employees of Universities and
Private Institutes
Birzeit University Chapter
Birzeit- Ramallah
At a time when the Palestinian people appreciate the professional and
popular French position towards Arab issues, we condemn the
statements made by French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin which
coincide with the racist statements of David Levy to burn Lebanon
and its children, leading to feelings of anger which have taken over
the Palestinian people.
Birzeit University was and remains a national edifice reflecting the
feelings of Palestinians and continues to affirm its democratic and
national foundation.
The general board, teachers and employees have discussed the
effects of Jospin’s visit to the university and have decided the
following:
- The general board insists on the independence of the university
and its academic and administrative systems as well as the need to
protect the sanctity of the campus and reject its being preyed on
regardless by whom.
- The general board condemns the recent mass arrests and calls
for the immediate release of all detained students. It also affirms its
position of not returning to work at the university until all the
students are released.
- The general board affirms the fact that the responsibility for
dealing with the incident which took place during Jospin’s visit falls
on the university alone, through the application of university
regulations by the relevant bodies.
- The general board asks that all security procedures and
individuals be removed from around the campus and on the roads
leading to the campus.
Administrative Board of the Employees Union
Comments to webmaster@birzeit.edu.