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(NYASATIMES) Malawi govt counter Muluzi on Gaza

Malawi govt counter Muluzi on Gaza
Praise Liomba 13 January, 2009 01:49:00

Air raids and clashes were reported across the Gaza Strip killing over 800 people
Malawi government has said by not commenting against Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, it does not mean that it was not paying attention to the suffering Palestines.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Henry Mumba said government would comment about the situation at an appropriate time. Mumba’s comment follows former president Bakili Muluzi who called on President Bingu wa Mutharika and the government of Malawi to condemn the killings of over 800 people.

Muluzi told a public meeting in Mulanje district on Sunday that Malawi and any country that values human rights, must condemn the killings.

But deputy minister of foreign affairs said the issues about foreign policies are sensitive.

"As former Head of State, Dr. Muluzi is aware of how government operates. Issues about foreign policies are quite sensitive. We cannot just speak out on issues for the sake of it," said Mumba.

State House Press Officer Chikumbutso Mtumodzi also said Muluzi’s call was misplaced and motivated by his Islamic faith.

Many people around the world have protested and accused the Israeli Government of unleashing terror in Gaza and killing hundreds of people since the attacks began on December 27, 2008.

Muluzi expressed sadness that since the raids started, the government of Malawi has not spoken out, a move he said is denting the country's record on human rights.

"Am very much moved by the situation in Gaza. Deaths of young children and defenseless women in that area are very shocking. What crime has these people committed?

“And while the rest of Africa countries are renting their voices and weight behind the suffering Palestines, Malawi government is quiet. This silence is very disturbing and is costing a lot," said Muluzi.

Meanwhile, AP reports that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is embarking on a Mideast tour to press for Israel and Hamas to immediately stop fighting and allow humanitarian aid into the devastated Palestinian territory.

Ban said he plans to step up diplomatic efforts to get both sides to adhere to a U.N. cease-fire resolution calling for an end to Israel's air and ground offensive in Gaza and Hamas' rocketing of southern Israel.

"To both sides, I say: Just stop, now," the U.N. chief told a news conference. "Too many people have died. There has been too much civilian suffering. Too many people, Israelis and Palestinians, live in daily fear of their lives."

The secretary-general leaves New York Tuesday and will meet senior officials in Egypt and Jordan Wednesday, then head to Israel, the Palestinian-controlled West Bank, Turkey, Lebanon, Syria and Kuwait where he said an Arab League summit may add an extra session to tackle the Gaza conflict.

His itinerary does not include a stop in Gaza because of the ongoing conflict.

Labels: BAKILI MULUZI, HENRY MUMBA, ISRAEL

posted by MrK @ 8:02 PM