US Peace Community Brings Condolences and Support to Turkish People after attacks on its citizens and sovereignty by Israeli Government:

Turkish-American Citizen Among Victims

WHAT: Peace Community holds press conference outside the Turkish Embassy

WHEN: 11am Friday, June 4, 2010

WHERE: Turkish Embassy: 2525 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W Washington, D.C. 20008

WASHINGTON- Members of the U.S. peace community will be meeting with Turkish embassy officials to deliver a wreath, cards and other expressions of condolences for the deaths of the Turkish citizens on the nonviolent Gaza Flotilla. Israel’s brutal and illegal attack, that occurred in international waters on a Turkish-flagged vessel, also took the life of Furkan Dogan, an American citizen of Turkish decent.

The group, consisting of interfaith peace activists, will also thank the Turkish people and their government for the strong stand they have taken in support of the Flotilla and in opposition to Israel’s blockade against the Gazan people. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan rightly characterized the Israeli operation as “a blow to world peace and against international law” and vowed not to “sit by in silence.”

The group appreciates Turkey’s position of condemning the Israeli attacks on peace activists in international waters, demanding an end to the siege on Gaza and reaffirming its commitment to aid the Palestinian people.

“We thank the Turkish government for its vigorous condemnation of the Israeli attack and wish that our government would take the same position,” said CODEPINK cofounder Medea Benjamin, one of the event organizers. “We will be pushing our President and Congress to follow Turkey’s lead in calling for accountability and pressuring Israel to lift the crippling siege of Gaza.”

“We also mourn one of our own American citizens, 19-year old Furkan Dogan, who was killed with weapons donated by our government to Israel’s military and used indiscriminately on Palestinian, Turkish and American unarmed citizens,” said Mubarak Awad, President of Nonviolence International.

Andrés Conteris Speaks in Washington D.C

Andrés Thomas Conteris, Founder of Democracy Now! en Español spent four months in Brazil’s embassy in Honduras along with democratically-elected President Manuel Zelaya who was ousted in a June 28, 2009 coup. Conteris was the only member of the media that stayed inside the embassy for 129 days and filed many stories with independent news outlets around the world.  Assaulted by chemical attacks, ear-splitting noise weapons, intense lights during the nights, and constantly in the gun sights of military snipers, Conteris lived, ate, and slept along side the ousted president and was witness to the hopes and fears, negotiations, threats and violence as Hondurans struggled to return democracy to their homeland.

After departing Honduras with Zelaya upon the inauguration of Porfiro Lobo, who was elected president in a coup government-run process, Conteris returned recently to Honduras to lead a delegation of US residents which met with many groups still determined to develop real democracy in Honduras. Their efforts are being met with murder, beatings, intimidation, and false imprisonment under the Lobo government.

On March 29th, Conteris spoke at the St. Stepehns Episcopal Church in D.C., reporting on and working with the Honduran citizen resistance to the coup d’etat. Conteris shared moving stories of resistance to the coup. The movement was widespread, remarkably disciplined, and well led by former president Zelaya and others.

Repression unfortunately has continued with the new government which has kept on many of the old guard.  Five journalists have been killed in recent weeks, more than have been killed in the past 25 years.  In addition, arrests, assassinations, and attacks continue on resistance members.

Conteris calls for increased international pressure upon the current government. Prosecutions are necessary for coup plotters.  A new constitution is necessary to enfranchise the citizens of Honduras.  Conteris calls on international solidarity activists to go to Honduras to learn about the movements for democracy in the country.  He recently led a delegation from the West Coast of the US to Honduras that met with many community leaders.

Mubarak Awad Attends Conference in Bethlehem

Last Month Nonviolence International’s President Mubarak Awad journeyed to Palestine where, among other things, he attended a Conference in Bethlehem.  The conference, held at Bethlehem Bible College from March 12-17, was titled “Christ at the Checkpoint: Theology in the Service of Peace and Justice.”  The events included lectures by people who have been working on the subject of the rapture as a church prophecy regarding the coming of Christ and its implications for the Palestinian Christians and the Palestinian population at this time.  There were local Palestinian theologians in attendance that spoke about the theology of the land from a Palestinian perspective, including Naim Ateek, Alex Awad, Yohanna Katanacho, Salim Munayer, and Mitri Raheb.
The group expressed their theological point of view with a great emphasis on the current issue of the political trends in the Holy Land.  The purpose of the conference was to enlighten the attendees regarding issues of Palestinian Christians.  This brought to light difficulties Palestinian Christians face in dealing with the rhetoric of Christians in the west who have supported Israel as a Jewish state and Israelis as a chosen people without any consideration to the plight of the Christian Palestinians, or the fact that they even exist.
Mubarak Awad gave a lecture on the use of nonviolence as a Christian ministry and was accompanied by many other speakers. Alex Awad, Mubarak’s brother, spoke of his experiences travelling around the world as an evangelical Christian Palestinian and not being recognized as a brother in the evangelical community due to his nationality.  Sami Awad, of the Holy Land Trust and a co-sponsor of the conference, spoke about the Holocaust and his visits to Auschwitz and the ways he was able to reflect upon his emotions as a Palestinian with regards to the many deaths of Jews on the hands of Christians in Germany.  Bishara Awad, the President of the Bethlehem Bible College, made it clear that this conference is not political but more educational, and it is in the spirit of reconciliation and the spirit of Christianity.  The subjects of Christian Zionism, anti-semitism, dispensationalism, and the ethical responsibility of the evangelical church towards Palestinians were discussed in detail both in the form of formal lectures and workshops as well as informal discussion during meals.  NI board member Jonathan Kuttab introduced the Prime Minister of Palestine Salam Fayyad, who spoke on supporting a strong church in Palestine and about the emphasis of enacting Palestinian liberation through the use of nonviolence.
Mubarak later took some of the participants for demonstrations against the bulldozing of olive trees and the erecting of the separation wall in a town north of Bethlehem called Beit Jala.

Click Here to read about an anti-wall rally Mubarak attended in Bethlehem

Nonviolence International Members Attend Anti-Nuclear Protest Outside Nuclear Summit

Dressed up as nuclear missiles in the pouring rain, Nonviolence International staff joined CODEPINK, Prop 1, Peace Action and the Washington Action Group in front of the Washington Convention Center on April 13, 2010.  President Obama and heads of state from all over the world were gathered at the Convention Center for the Nuclear Security Summit.  In this meeting of the world’s most powerful leaders, the issues of non-proliferation and dismantling existing warheads are untouched.  Countries such as India, Pakistan and Israel have not even signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The modest group of demonstrators marched up the street towards the Convention Center, holding signs and chanting, “Nukes are bad here and there.  Ban nukes everywhere.”  Medea Benjamin, the cofounder of CODEPINK made a speech about the dangers of a world-wide arms race as military police watched the group carefully.  Peace flags were flown as an “arms race” took place between costume warhead-clad NI members jogging down the side walk to emphasize the absurdity of nuclear armament.  The message was clear: No hands are the right hands for nuclear weapons. Check this link:

Hope for Iranians in French Torture Game by ]]> http://nonviolenceinternational.net/?feed=rss2&p=608 0 http://nonviolenceinternational.net/?p=596 http://nonviolenceinternational.net/?p=596#comments Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:52:06 +0000 admin http://nonviolenceinternational.net/?p=596 Register Now for Grassroots Nonviolence Training

Grassroots Advocacy Training Day (March 7-8th) is the perfect opportunity to build your skills as an activist and make an impact on US Israeli-Palestinian conflict policy.  This event will be located at American University in Washington D.C where peace-builders will gather to demand an end to Israel’s siege in Gaza.

Click here for more information.

Click here to register.

Apply for the Fletcher Summer Institute

The International Center on Nonviolent Conflict is now accepting applications for the Fletcher Summer Institute for the Advanced Study of Nonviolent Conflict at Tufts University.  This week long program will run at the end of June and feature a variety of scholars from around the world. Nonviolence International encourages anyone interested to apply.

Click here to view the flyer.

Click here for more information and to download application.

Andres Conteris Available to Speak in Washington D.C. in March

Andres Conteris, the Nonviolence International director of the Latin America programs, is planning on coming to Washington DC around March 15th will be available for speaking engagements for two to three weeks. If you have any interest in hosting him to give a detailed account of his experience in Honduras, talk about his mission as a whole or fund future endeavors, please contact us at info@nonviolenceinternational.net.

Mubarak Awad’s Speaking Tour

Nonviolence International is planning a North American speaking tour for Mubarak Awad in May and June 2010.  If you would like to host him for a speaking or fundraising event please contact us at info@nonviolenceinternational.net.

2010 El-Hibri Peace Education Prize Now Accepting Nominations

The El-Hibri Peace Education Prize recognizes outstanding peace educators based in the United States by awarding $10,000 annually to an individual or organization making valuable contributions to peace education and social justice in the Middle East.

We are currently accepting nominations until June 6, 2010.

Click here for more information.

Refusing to be Enemies: Palestinian and Israeli Nonviolent Resistance to the Israeli Occupation

Maxine Kaufman-Lacusta’s new book Refusing to be Enemies: Palestinian and Israeli Nonviolent Resistance to the Israeli Occupation, presents the viewpoints of many nonviolent activists in Israel and Palestine as they discuss their struggle and hope for change in the future. This includes contributions from NI board members Mubarak Awad, Sami Awad and Jonathan Kuttab.

For full text of publisher’s blurb click here.

Egyptian authorities have not been supportive.  Foreigners have been detained.  Solidarity demonstrations continue world-wide.

For updated information go to this website

A youtube appeal is here

Here is a portion of the interview courtesy of Democracy Now!

http://www.democracynow.org/2009/9/22/report_from_honduras_ousted_president_manuel

SHARIF ABDEL KOUDDOUS: Honduran President Manuel Zelaya has made a dramatic return to his country nearly three months after the military coup that forced him into exile. On Monday, Zelaya reappeared in the Honduran capital Tegucigalpa, taking refuge in the Brazilian embassy. Speaking from the embassy’s roof, Zelaya said he had arrived after a lengthy trip, traveling sometimes by foot to avoid detection.

PRESIDENT MANUEL ZELAYA: [translated] I had to travel for fifteen hours, sometimes walking, other times marching in different areas in the middle of the night, because I wanted to celebrate the country’s independence day with the Honduran people. Those who believe that governing was something easy have made a mistake. To govern is something serious. Governing requires talent, dedication and love for the people.

SHARIF ABDEL KOUDDOUS: Zelaya wouldn’t provide specifics, but it’s unlikely he could have returned without help from elements of the Honduran military or intelligence services. That prospect could signify a further setback for the Honduran coup regime, which has relied on military support to defy internal unrest and global isolation.

The head of the coup regime, Roberto Micheletti, initially dismissed reports of Zelaya’s return as, quote, “media terrorism.” But as thousands of Zelaya supporters descended on the Brazilian embassy, Micheletti imposed a national curfew and took to the airwaves. Flanked by his cabinet and top military leaders, Micheletti called on Brazil to hand over Zelaya for arrest.

ROBERTO MICHELETTI: [translated] It is not clear why Mr. Zelaya has returned to Honduras at this time. Only he knows this. But I cannot reach another conclusion other than he is here to continue hampering the celebrations of our elections next November 29th, as he has done so far, as well as his followers, for a few weeks now.

I made a call to the government of Brazil so that they respect the judicial order against Mr. Zelaya and hand him over to the authorities of Honduras. The state of Honduras is committed to respecting the rights of Mr. Zelaya to the mentioned process. The eyes of the world are placed on Brazil and also on Honduras. Let’s not allow passions of a few stain the reputation and image of our people.

AMY GOODMAN: Zelaya’s supporters are reportedly planning to march on the palace later today. Here in the US, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged both sides to engage in dialogue.

HILLARY CLINTON: It’s imperative that dialogue begin, that there be a channel of communication between President Zelaya and the de facto regime in Honduras. And it’s also imperative that the return of President Zelaya does not lead to any conflict or violence, but instead that everyone act in a peaceful way to try to find some common ground. Once again, the Costa Ricans will be using their good offices to try to encourage that to occur.

AMY GOODMAN: Clinton was speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, where she met with Costa Rican President Oscar Arias. After the meeting, Arias said he’d be willing to travel to Honduras to resume his efforts at brokering a negotiated solution.

PRESIDENT OSCAR ARIAS: I think this is the best—the best opportunity, the best time, now that Zelaya is back in his country, for the two parties to sign the San José accord. It’s all we have on the table. There is no B plan. And when we wrote this San José accord, it was after listening to everybody. We took suggestions from each of the parties.

I would be willing to go, but if both sides—if both parties ask me to—to go to Tegucigalpa, I certainly would be more than pleased to go and see what I can do.

AMY GOODMAN: The Nobel Peace laureate, Costa Rican President Oscar Arias.

We now go directly to the Brazilian embassy, inside, in Tegucigalpa to Andres Conteris, who works with us at Democracy Now! and on the Program on the Americas director for Nonviolence International.

We welcome you to Democracy Now!, Andres. What’s happening right now?

ANDRES CONTERIS: Amy, good to talk with you.

About forty minutes ago, there was a very violent removal by the military and police of over 500 protesters who were outside the embassy dancing and rejoicing and celebrating all night. I was able to see them in their incredible, incredible spirit of jubilation as they expressed that since the news arrived that President Zelaya was returning to the country. Then, about forty minutes ago, there was a massive, massive tear gas attack and a violent removal of all of the over 500 people in front of the embassy.

I’m inside the embassy with about 150 people who are inside. There was no direct attack against the embassy itself, but the tear gas did enter, and it affected every single one of us inside the embassy. I’m now in the room where the President slept, and I’m with the First Lady nearby. Everyone, everyone was affected by this tear gas attack. But fortunately, there are no permanent injuries. We’re not aware of any injuries, but I’m sure there were many of those who were protesting and celebrating outside the embassy.

AMY GOODMAN: Andres, can you tell us how did President Zelaya return to Honduras?

ANDRES CONTERIS: Reports are, Amy—and he was asked directly, and he answered in a very general way, but the reports are that he flew from Nicaragua to El Salvador and then reached the border there at a place called El Amatillo and there entered into the trunk of a car and crossed about fifty—I’m sorry, about twenty police barricades and was never detected. He drove straight to—his driver took him straight to the Brazilian embassy.

Initial reports were that the President was in Honduras and that he was at the United Nations headquarters. So the initial rally of celebration went there to the United Nations. There were thousands and thousands of people there rejoicing. And then the word came that he was at the Brazilian embassy. And then we transferred that celebration here.

SHARIF ABDEL KOUDDOUS: And Andres, why did the Brazilians take him in, have him have refuge in the Brazilian embassy in Tegucigalpa?

ANDRES CONTERIS: It’s very clear that Brazil has been a very strong advocate of President Zelaya during this entire crisis. And because of the power and the symbolism of the strength of South America and Brazil being the strongest and largest of those countries, it’s clear that I think President Zelaya decided that this was the place that it was best to come to. And when he arrived, they of course opened the doors. The Brazilian authorities report that they did not know ahead of time that he was coming here, but he was welcomed when he came. And his family was reunited here in the embassy for the first time after eighty-six days of being separated.

SHARIF ABDEL KOUDDOUS: And the President—the head of the coup regime, Roberto Micheletti, has continued his call for Zelaya’s arrest. What does President Zelaya say right now about that?

ANDRES CONTERIS: President Zelaya speaks very positively, in a very reconciling mode. He does not even take seriously what coup regime leader Micheletti is saying. Micheletti is saying that there’s a jail space waiting for President Zelaya. However, President Zelaya is really focusing on the way to truly resolve this crisis by seeking mediation.

Today, it’s hopefully expected that Mr. Insulza, the head of the OAS, will arrive. However, they have closed the airports, and it’s not certain if they will allow the plane to land with Mr. Insulza from the OAS.

AMY GOODMAN: Andres Conteris is speaking to us from inside the embassy in Tegucigalpa, the Brazilian embassy. Roberto Micheletti says that he wants Brazil to hand over the ousted president. Andres, is there a response from Zelaya on that request?

ANDRES CONTERIS: In terms of that request, no, there was no direct response. It’s really treating this coup regime as a nonentity, so much as possible, and not recognizing their authority. Many who were in the streets heard about the curfew that was imposed at 4:00 p.m. yesterday afternoon and held—and was enforced all night, and they did not respond to it, because they believe that President Zelaya is the one president, and he is the only one who can give an order for a curfew. And so, they continued to celebrate in the streets.

Dr. Mubarak Awad is joining Jews Fast for Gaza, an exemplary effort that Dr. Awad supports whole-heartedly. He calls on all supporters of peace and justice to join the water fast every Thursday until the seige is lifted on Gaza by the Israeli government. For more information on joining fast and/or supporting the effort go to ]]> http://nonviolenceinternational.net/?feed=rss2&p=366 0 http://nonviolenceinternational.net/?p=356 http://nonviolenceinternational.net/?p=356#comments Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:53:07 +0000 admin http://nonviolenceinternational.net/?p=356 In light of the military coup in Honduras in the early hours of Sunday, June 28, 2009 and the arrest and forced exile of Honduran President Manuel Zelaya, we are forming an Emergency International Delegation to go to Honduras as soon as possible. The purpose of the delegation is to provide support to members of the government and civil society facing arrest and intimidation at the hands of the military and to be in solidarity with their call for respect for the rule of law and for the immediate restitution of President Zelaya.