INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY MOVEMENT
December 18, 2001
For Immediate Release
Peace Campaigners Welcomed by Yasser Arafat

[Ramallah] Yasser Arafat, President of the Palestinian Authority, today welcomed international peace campaigners after they staged a dramatic protest against the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Territories. Over 70 International Solidarity Movement volunteers from Britain, the United States and continental Europe lay down in front of Israeli tanks stationed near President Arafat's HQ in Ramallah.

(photo credit: Reuters)

President Arafat, who greeted each activist personally, thanked the group for their support. "We are in need of your help," he added.

Spokeswoman for the International Solidarity Movement Val Phillips said "we are here today to support the Palestinian legitimate right to resist the illegal and brutal occupation and to draw attention to the failure of the international community to intervene against Israeli aggression."

The demonstration marks the start of a series of protests taking place over the next two weeks, including dismantling one of the Israeli roadblocks, which prevent Palestinians traveling to work, school or hospital, and working with Palestinian youth on the front line in Hebron.

For more information, contact
Huwaida Arraf at 052-642-709.

Note to editors: Digital photos of protest and meeting with President Arafat available.

The International Solidarity Movement (ISM) is comprised of local Palestinian and foreign civilians working to raise awareness of the Palestinian plight for freedom and an end to Israeli military occupation. We call on Israel to immediately implement UN Resolutions and abide by international law. We urge the United Nations and our respective governments to take decisive action to ensure Israel's compliance therewith.