MP ATTENDS FALMOUTH VIGIL IN SUPPORT OF PEACE IN GAZA (Julia Goldsworthy)

Julia Goldsworthy <info@juliagoldsworthy.org>

MP ATTENDS FALMOUTH VIGIL IN SUPPORT OF PEACE IN GAZA

January 19, 2009 12:00 PM

Julia and Terrye gather with local people in Falmouth to support Gaza

MP Julia Goldsworthy and Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate Terrye Teverson attended a special vigil on Falmouth Moor on Saturday in support of peace in Gaza.

Around 100 demonstrators joined them to observe a two-minute silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the conflict. The event took place just hours before a ceasefire was announced by the Israeli and Palestinian governments, following weeks of bitter conflict in the troubled region.

Julia said: "It was heart-warming to see so many people in Falmouth drawing attention to the humanitarian plight of people in Gaza.

"Although a unilateral ceasefire has now been announced by the Israeli Government, our government and the international community needs to demonstrate their commitment towards establishing long term peace in this part of the world.

"Placing an embargo on arms exports to Israel would be an important first step towards achieving this end."

The vigil was called by local man Paul Walker and supported by the British Red Cross, which raised £192 for their relief work.

Mr Walker said: "The main aims of the vigil were to raise awareness locally, to create a space for discussion, show the people of Gaza that yet another corner of the world cares about their plight, and to help send the message out to local, national and international powers that the current illegal military action must not be allowed to continue."

Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate Terrye Teverson added: "It is inspiring to see a young man like Paul, who organised this event in Falmouth, take the time to highlight his concern by asking others to join him. My thanks go to him for organising this vigil in Falmouth.

"The trauma experienced by so many people in the Gaza City over the last three weeks is unimaginable. I was keen to take part in the vigil held for the many families unable to escape from Gaza during the recent war."