PNGO demands all attacks on civil society institutions to be stopped

Wednesday July 11, 2007 00:15 by IMEMC Staff

The Palestinian Network of Non-governmental organization (PNGO) issued on Tuesday a statement expressing concern over the ongoing attacks against nongovernmental and civil society institutions in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

PNGO logo

Translated by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC

The PNGO stated that more attacks are being carried out by gunmen who breaking into these institutions, confiscating their belongings, and sabotaging them.

The PNGO added that the Palestinian law, article number 1 for the year 2000 stresses on protecting the nongovernmental organizations, civil freedom and rights.

Also, the PNGO slammed an attack carried by the Hamas controlled executive force against the General laborers Union in Gaza, and several facilities and offices belonging to the union in several parts of the Gaza Strip.

It also slammed the attack against the Al Azhar University in Gaza, in addition to the burning and destruction of several charitable organizations in the West Bank. The previously mentioned attacks were carried by Fateh gunmen.

The Union stresses of the following points;

1. All parties must not place the civil institutions in any conflict and political disputes, and must protect these institutions in order to enable them perform their duties.

2. The PNGO rejects all attacks against civil society institutions, and calls for prosecuting the assailants.

3. Gunmen who occupied some institutions must evacuate them immediately, return the condition to what it was before, and allow these institutions to perform their duties.

4. All attacks against civil institutions are harming the Palestinian struggle, image and cause.

5. Law institutions must be allowed to perform their duties and must prosecute the assailants in accordance to the law.

6. The PNGO expresses its support to the important role of civil society institutions especially in strengthening the steadfastness of the Palestinian people and protecting freedom.

7. The PNGO reaffirms the role of civil society institutions in strengthening the Palestinian National Unity and reject any division, legal, political or geographical, between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

At the end of its statement, the PNGO demanded the leaders of all faction to protect the interests and achievements of the Palestinian people, and their legitimate struggle against the occupation.   

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