views magnitude of this reckless slaying as a ‘massacre of the highest order’
THE Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG), the representative body of Muslims in Guyana strongly condemns the Israeli Government’s constant offensive on the Palestine People which has resulted in the deaths of over 300 people and injuries to more than 800. The death toll can rise to even higher proportions.

The CIOG, in a statement, said it views the magnitude of this reckless slaying as a “massacre of the highest order” carried out especially against innocent people, including helpless women and children who are simply seeking their legitimate rights.

The Central Islamic Organization of Guyana, which is closely affiliated to an enormous number of International Organizations/Institutions calls on the outgoing United States Government to eliminate the prejudices held against the Palestinian people and that the President-elect, Barack Obama incoming Government treat this issue no different.

Meanwhile, the CIOG said this devastating episode can only go down in Islamic History as another “Israeli Massacre on Muslims”.

The CIOG also called on the Israeli Government to end without delay the humanitarian blockade on Gaza. It said this is beyond the limits of constant suppression and humiliation administered by the Israeli Government against a nation and notes the following:-

* That Israel, by its actions is demonstrating total disregard for human life and rule of international law

* That Israel must account for its actions and force this state to abide by the Geneva Convention, UN resolutions and other Agreements that constitute International Law.

* That until the International Community show “spinal fortitude” to forcibly restrain Israel from its continuing actions, there will be no peace in the Middle East.

* That true peace can only arise from the foundation of justice.

The CIOG said it has noted the CAIR report and accordingly, welcomes the support that the European Union (EU), Russia, the UN Secretary-General, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), and other international bodies are all urging Israel to end it attacks.

Middle East envoy Tony Blair deplored the “tragic loss of life,” while French President Nicolas Sarkozy condemned Israel’s “disproportionate use of force.”

EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said the Israeli attacks were “inflicting an unacceptable toll on Palestinian civilians and will only worsen the humanitarian crisis as well as complicate the search for a peaceful solution.”

“However we must do much more than just condemning and therefore, the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana initiates a position of peaceful and positive action” and advances the following measures:-

** Reduction/Removal of the arms arsenal and a withdrawal of further arms support.

** An immediate inventory of all arms arsenal by an International Body.

** Immediate removal of the humanitarian blockade that is causing tremendous pains and sufferings to a civilized nation and which led to the recent breakdown of the ceasefire.

** Agreement to find a solution to the land issue.

** Discontinue the humiliation that is presently meted out to Palestinian People.

** Appoint an International Peace Keeping mission to make periodic visits and to ensure that the arsenal audit is maintained.

** Immediate financial support from major donor institutions with a view to restructure the lives of the Palestinian people.

** President-elect Obama must demonstrate his commitment to change the current American Mideast policy by speaking out and doing what is in favour of peace and justice for all parties to this decades-long conflict.

** World Leaders must take direct action to end Israel’s counterproductive and wildly disproportionate attacks.

“We pray to GOD Almighty that some semblance of rectitude be given to the Palestinian People,” according to the statement from CIOG’s President (ag) Hajj Sultan H. Rahaman.