August 14, 2006
PNGO on Venezuelan Diplomatic Action
The Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network (PNGO) applauds the decision of
the Venezuelan people and government to withdraw the Venezuelan ambassador from Israel.
On August 3, 2006, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez stated that he has withdrawn his
country's ambassador from Israel to show his 'indignation' over the military offensive in
Lebanon.
Chavez stated, "It really causes indignation to see how the state of Israel continues bombing,
killing…with all of the power they have, with the support of the United States" regarding the
Israeli assault on Lebanon. He also added, "It's also fascism what Israeli is doing to the
Palestinian people…terrorism and fascism." Since the Israeli assault on Lebanon, codename
'Operation Just Reward' on July 13, 2006, 1020 people have been killed, 3508 injured, over
960,000 displaced, in addition to the destruction of 62 bridges. In Gaza, since the beginning
of the Israeli 'Operation Summer Rains' on June 28, 2006, 184 Palestinians, including 42
children, have been killed; 650 Palestinians injured, and over 3500 Palestinians have sought
shelter in UNRWA installations as a result of this operation.
We highly appreciate and support the courageous position of Mr. Chaves, who was among the
very few leaders in the world who took action to express his country's indignation to the
violations committed by Israel against innocent civilians in Palestine and Lebanon. The
Venezuelan stance shows that such actions are imperative to force Israel to respect
sovereignty of nations and support for the international consensus for the protection of
civilians and against the belligerence against other countries. In standing for justice and
morality, this courage deserves administration in light of the prevailing callous value system
where 'might is right.'
Israel has to realize that its belligerence and violations of international law will lead to its
isolation and infringement from the community of nations.
President Chavez is the first leader of a country to recall his country's ambassador from Israel
since the Israel assault on Lebanese civilians and infrastructure.
Members of the international community have time and again condemned Israeli actions in
the occupied Palestinian territories and Lebanon. On July 23, 2006 the United Nations relief
coordinator Jan Egeland condemned the devastation caused by Israeli air strikes in Beirut
describing it as 'horrific' and terming it 'a violation of humanitarian law’. On May 8, 2002 the
United Nations General Assembly condemned Israeli attacks on Jenin refugee camp in the
West Bank. Israel’s response to these condemnations is quite simply to ignore them From
1955 – 1992, 66 United Nations resolutions against Israel were passed. Yet, no action has
been taken by members of the international community to enforce these resolutions.
Not only has the US government provided Israel with the weapons, including illegal
phosphorous and cluster bombs, with which it is now bombarding Lebanon, it has also
provided virtually unlimited financial, military, political and diplomatic support to Israel. The
wanton support of the United States to Israel has and will continue to wars of destruction
against people and nations.
Israel’s impunity for its crimes against humanity, its violations of international law, its attacks
on Arab nations and its massacres of civilians must come to an end. Again, on behalf of
PNGO we applaud and commend the actions of the Venezuelan people and government and
call upon the internal community, including the Arab countries to follow the lead of Mr.
Chavez.