Unfolding tragedy

THERE is nothing new in the stand taken by the Non-Aligned Movement countries on the Israeli campaign in Palestinian territories. However, the special session of the NAM convened by Malaysia - currently heading the organisation - in Putrajaya is significant in that it has specifically asked the United Nations to step in to stop the violent offensive launched by Israel against the Palestinians.

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Published: Sun 16 May 2004, 11:40 PM

Last updated: Thu 2 Apr 2015, 1:40 AM

The appeal comes as Israeli attacks on Palestinian targets this week left scores dead. The violence also killed several Israeli soldiers. Urging the United States to take a more objective stand to mediate between the warring Israelis and Palestinians, the non-aligned states have decided to send a team to meet Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and the members of the Mideast peace quartet - the UN, the US, EU and Russia - to revive the peace process. Malaysia, both as the head of NAM and the Organisation of Islamic Organisation, has been doing its bit to push the cause of peace in the Middle East. Under Prime Minister Badawi, Malaysia is right in asserting that unless the world community intervenes in the region, the defenceless Palestinian population faces a grave risk. The stepped up attacks by Sharon’s forces prove that Israel is far from serious in withdrawing from Gaza. How long could the world wait as Israel goes about the systematic extermination of Palestinians? How long?



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