Amnesty vigils to call for ceasefire in 22 countries: Monday
AFP/ The Australian
From correspondents in London
August 05, 2006
MASS vigils will be held around the world on Monday to call for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East and show solidarity with the victims, Amnesty International said today.
The London-based human rights organisation said the vigils would be held on Monday evening in 22 countries as far apart as Australia, India, Hong Kong, Sierra Leone and Venezuela – as well as in Israel and Lebanon.
Hundreds of civilians have died in the conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon since hostilities began on July 12.
“The human cost of this conflict is far too high,” said Amnesty Secretary General Irene Khan.
“We demand that the international community call an immediate ceasefire. Civilians in both Lebanon and Israel cannot be left in the line of fire.
“Governments must stop fuelling this suffering by imposing an arms embargo against Israel and Hezbollah and refusing to allow the transer of weapons to or through their territories.”
The British Amnesty vigil was to be held outside Prime Minister Tony Blair’s Downing Street office.
Amnesty branches participating are Australia, Belgium, Britain, Chile, France, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Mali, Nepal, Netherlands, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, US and Venezuela.
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