INTERNATIONALMay -October 2020BULLETIN

“Sinn Féin have been clear throughout the Brexit process that there can be absolutely no hardening of the border in Ireland and that the must be protected.”

Sinn Féin President, Mary Lou McDonald TD

Britain must drop threats to breach international law through Brexit Sinn– Sinn Féin President Féin Mary Lou President McDonald TD behaviour Mary over Brexit. Lou McDonaldwith the US TDCongressional Friends of Ireland has warned Britain must drop threats to “The EU’s resolve is welcome at a time caucus. I will once again reiterate the need breach international law through Brexit. when the threat of a hardening of the border to stand up for Ireland and ensure the Teachta McDonald’s comments follow con- in Ireland and threats to the Good Friday international community is aware of how firmation by European Commission President Agreement are real. unacceptable Britain’s threats are. Ursula von der Leyen that legal proceedings “Sinn Féin have been clear throughout the “I believe it is vitally important that every are now underway against the British gov- Brexit process that there can be absolutely diplomatic means possible is engaged with ernment in light of the Internal Market Bill. no hardening of the border in Ireland and to show unity of purpose and ensure the Teachta McDonald said: “I welcome that that the Good Friday Agreement must be Good Friday Agreement and peace process the EU is taking action to confront unaccept- protected. are protected. able British government threats to breach “The people of Ireland cannot be treated “Sinn Féin will continue to engage with international law. This development reflects as collateral damage in a Tory Brexit. the international community to highlight the the dismay felt internationally at Britain’s “This afternoon, I will be having a call importance of these issues.”

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Michelle O’Neill OPINION PIECE: The once monolithic

During the course of the The fulcrum of the Brexit unionistdecade from 2012-2022 we are majority hascrisis gone is the border in Ireland. marking the centenaries of Attempts by the Tories seminal events, which have and their allies to demolish shaped modern Irish history the GFA will continue to be over the past century. resisted. Events which have defined We are not only witness- our relationship with Britain ing the realignment of Irish over the past 100 years and politics on this island; we are been characterised by colo- shaping it. nialism, partition and political We are entering a decade of division. opportunity where the free- This year marks the anniver- “We have lived a dom to choose our own future saries of much darker times will be decided by the people when in 1920 the Black and century apart, on this island alone. Tans were introduced, and the This is a defining moment in Lord Mayor of Cork, Tomás Mac and partition the history of Ireland. Curtáin, was murdered. His And the decisions that all killing was followed shortly has failed. the people on this island make by the death of Sinn Féin Lord now will shape the direction Mayor Terence MacSwiney We have lived for of our island for the next after 74 days on hunger strike. generation. And in December that year much too long The approach to the cente- the Government of Ireland Act nary of partition I am arguing was enacted in Westminster back to back. for is one where republican- forcing partition on Ireland. ism and unionism contribute The Government of Ireland It’s time to start to a national conversation. Act came into force on 21st For our part Sinn Féin will May 1921, with the British living side by side.” set out with confidence our King George V convening the Michelle O’Neill MLA analysis, experience and vi- parliament sion of an open, inclusive and that June with James Craig agreed Ireland. becoming Prime Minister of The political momentum the Northern State. context. Today’s Assembly is unrec- on change is moving in that Unionism will celebrate and The political, social and ognisable from the previous direction. eulogise these events. cultural consequences of what iterations of the old unionist We must promote reconcili- Nationalism will see it happened between 1912-1922 regime at Stormont. ation, as distinct from deepen- differently. There will be no still reverberate throughout Today the Executive is ing division. celebration of partition which the island. formed by, and is represen- We have lived a century has failed the people of this While trying to heal the tative of all the people in the apart, and partition has failed. island. wounds of the past, we must North. That is the difference to We have lived for much too We will present our political also live and strive in the the failed regimes that went long back to back. It’s time to perspectives and experiences present. before. start living side by side. of partition and the one-party I often say there is no future The once monolithic union- A stark choice is open- unionist state with its in-built in the past. ist majority has gone. ing up between the narrow, unionist majority, and direct The peace process and Good Unionist support for the inward-looking vision of Brexit and structural discrimination Friday Agreement have created unprecedented folly of Brexit Britain and the open inclusive against the catholic and na- an alternative to conflict. has created the biggest consti- vision of a New Ireland. tionalist population. That Agreement provides a tutional crisis for unionism in This is a time for debate, big But we will also place these peaceful democratic pathway a century. ideas and a public discourse historical events and experi- to Irish unity, which I believe Brexit has exposed the un- that threatens no one. ences in their contemporary will become a reality during democratic nature and failure this decade. of partition in Ireland.

   @SFIntDept www.sinnfein.ie @sinnfeininternational INTERNATIONAL 3 BULLETIN Hazzard welcomes EU and US leaders Brexit comments Sinn Féin MP has said the British government should listen to the calls from EU leaders and major US political figures and abandon plans to break inter- national law by attempting to override the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. The South Down MP said: “Vice President of the EU Maros Sefcovic has told the British Government that mea- sures contained within the Internal Market Bill are in violation of the Withdrawal Agree- ment and International law. “Maros Sefcovic also called bluff on the nonsensical narrative being peddled by the British Government that the purpose of the bill is to protect the Good Friday Agreement. “In Ireland, Europe and the US, the Inter- nal Markets Bill has been rightly viewed as an act of bad faith and an attempt to over- ride the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. Chris Hazzard MP “The reckless approach by the British Government to Brexit is posing a real threat to livelihoods, businesses and the all-island influential US Ways & Means Commit- made it clear that Congress will not economy, as well as completely undermining tee, for the Good Friday Agreement and support any post-Brexit trade deal if the the Good Friday Agreement. the need to protect it from the threat of Good Friday Agreement is undermined. “It is clear that the British Government Brexit. This is an issue that unites Democrats are once again using the people of Ire- “As the Brexit clock ticks, any attempt and Republicans with the Congress land as cannon fodder in pursuit of their by the British government to renege on earlier this year unanimously voting to chaotic Brexit fantasy.” what has already been negotiated and protect the Good Friday Agreement and The party’s Brexit spokesperson also agreed through the Irish Protocol would prevent the imposition of a hard bor- welcomed further strong support from be an indefensible act of bad faith. der in Ireland. The British government the chair of the powerful US Ways and “Irish America and American political must take heed of that. “The Withdrawal Means Committee, Richie Neal, for the leaders have played a crucial role in Agreement is an international agreement Good Friday Agreement. securing the Good Friday Agreement and and it must be maintained and protected “I welcome continued support from supporting the peace process. in order to protect our economy and our Congressman Richie Neal, chair of the “Speaker Nancy Pelosi has already peace agreements.” ‘Britain playing a reckless game that they will lose’ – MacManus welcomes firm EU position Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus has Tory antics. I think the full unwav- evident. It would of course be a very said the British Government are ering support Ireland has received clear breach of an international “playing a reckless game with the this week from both the EU and the treaty agreed with the EU only a few lives of honest hard working people US should serve as a wake-up call months ago. It would also threaten on the island of Ireland.” for Mr. Johnson’s government and the foundations of the Good Friday MacManus was speaking following surely make them realise they have Agreement. The illegality of such an extraordinary meeting of the EU- pursued an unwise strategy.” a trajectory has already been con- UK Joint Committee where Commis- MEP MacManus said “The draft firmed in their own parliament.” sion Vice President Maroš Šefčovič internal market bill published by the MacManus concluded by calling for stated “The EU does not accept the British Government in Westminster firmer action from Leinster House. argument that the aim of the draft confirmed our suspicions that John- “I think the government in Dublin Bill is to protect the Good Friday son and his Brexiteers were never have been caught napping again. (Belfast) Agreement. In fact, it is of acting in good faith since day one of The inaction we’ve seen is very the view that it does the opposite.” negotiations.” concerning. It feels like once again I welcome Vice President Šefčovič’s “The playacting we’ve seen from Sinn Féin have to do their jobs for strong stance on these revelations London recently hasn’t come as a them and lead Irish concerns on from Westminster and I’m glad to surprise to anyone in Sinn Féin. We an international stage whilst the see the EU are seeing through Chris MacManus MEP have felt for some time that signs of – Fianna Fail government the prime-minister’s predictable a reneging from Westminster were dithers. ”

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John Brady TD John Brady TD urges end to crack down on pro-democracy protesters in Belarus

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Defence John Brady has called for an immediate end to the Sinn Féin National Chairperson, MLA brutal crackdown being conducted against pro-democracy protesters in Belarus. New Palestinian unity initiative against Teachta Brady said: “What we are witnessing is the arbitrary and illegal detention of thousands of innocent Israeli occupation requires support of protesters, with hundreds more being injured by security forces. entire international community - Kearney “Verified reports, along with video footage, clearly indicate that those Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Ke- leadership of the PLO, to oppose the ongoing, being detained are being subjected arney, has welcomed as very significant the illegal occupation of Palestine. to savage beatings. joint communique from all main Palestinian “As a result of the recent conference, a “Detainees are being kept in political forces, agreeing on the need for representative national committee will now appalling conditions. Amnesty national political unity to oppose the normal- be formed, tasked with developing a strategic International has stated that there ising of relations between Arab states with Is- approach to maximising national unity and is clear evidence of detainees being rael, and the latest plans to annex Palestine. political reconciliation, among all Palestinian tortured. This follows a recent online conference forces, under the leadership of the PLO. This “Hundreds of thousands of Be- linking Ramallah and Beirut with represen- is a very important development. larusian citizens have taken to the tation from all Palestinian political parties “Notwithstanding the significant challenges streets in protest against an election and forces for the first time since 2011, under involved, Sinn Féin urges all the Palestin- which has been rightly described as the auspices of the Palestinian Liberation ian leaders to constructively support this neither ‘free nor fair.’ Even in Russia, Organisation (PLO). initiative. At this time the Palestinian struggle a close ally of Belarus, close to 80% The South Antrim MLA and minister in the requires a sustainable, strategic programme of people believe that the election northern regional Executive, said: of united popular resistance, and political was rigged. “The outcome of this conference held opposition against the Israeli occupation. “Members of the police and simultaneously in Ramallah and Beirut, to “The deepening political, economic and army are casting their uniforms enable participation by the leaderships of health crisis in all of Palestine must not aside in support of protesters, with all Palestinian political forces and parties, is be ignored any longer by the international the Belarusian Ambassador to Slo- a very positive step towards establishing a community. vakia being the first regime official united strategy against the Israeli occupation to resign in protest at the rigged of Palestine, and plans for ongoing annex- “The siege of Gaza is an absolute violation election and subsequent response ation. of international law and universal rights by President Lukashenko. “This is the first occasion that all Palestin- conventions. Palestinian civilians are being “Sinn Féin supports the right ian leaders have come together collectively summarily killed and seriously injured by of the Belarusian people to elect since 2011. Israeli troops on a daily basis in the West their own leader, and their own “That in itself is highly significant. Division Bank, while Palestinian land continues to government. and disagreement among Palestinian politi- be illegally occupied and homes are being “I call on President Lukashenko cal forces has weakened the development of demolished. to end the crackdown, to engage effective opposition to Israeli occupation. “This PLO initiative, sponsored by President in dialogue with protesters, and “In the lead up to, and since thIs confer- Mahmoud Abbas, is a serious opportunity to to pledge to hold fresh elections, ence, I have been in contact with leadership build a unified strategy in support of Pales- free from interference, and under representatives from the main Palestinian tinian national and human rights. the auspices of international forces. It is clear they all share a determina- “It requires encouragement and support observers.” tion to develop a united approach under the from the entire international community.”

   @SFIntDept www.sinnfein.ie @sinnfeininternational INTERNATIONAL 5 BULLETIN Sinn Féin TD John Brady offers condolences following death of Kurdish hunger striker

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Defence John Brady TD has offered his sympathies to the family of Ebru Timtik. The Kurdish human rights lawyer died on Thursday in a Turkish prison following a 238-day hunger strike. Igor Gonzalez Sola Teachta Brady said: “On behalf of Sinn Féin, I want to extend my sincere condo- lences to the family, friends and supporters Sheehan expresses of Ebru Timtik. She died for one simple demand - the right to a fair trial, which was sympathy on death denied to her by the Turkish state. “A lawyer, she was also a member of of Basque prisoner the People’s Law Bureau. Ebru, along with 17 others, was imprisoned following a Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has expressed trial, which was riven with contradictory sympathy following the death of Basque evidence, and that has raised serious ques- Prisoner Igor Gonzalez Sola in a jail in tions within the international community. Ebru Timtik Donostia on Friday 4th September. “She is the fourth person from her trial to The West Belfast MLA said: die on hunger strike this year. fitting burial. “On behalf of Sinn Féin, I wish to extend “Following her death, Ebru’s body was “Ebru Timkit is the epitome of that solidarity and condolences to the friends taken from Sadi Konuk hospital in the prisoner who refuses to be broken, and family of Basque political prisoner Igor Bakırköy district of Istanbul to the Foren- regardless of the array of weapons in the Gonzalez Sola. sic Medicine Institute in Yenibosna where arsenal of their oppressor, forced to fight “Igor had been transferred back to the relatives, friends and supporters gathered back with the only weapon that the truly Basque Country after spending 15 years in to receive her remains. dispossessed can draw upon, that of their multiple prisons across the Spanish state “They were attacked and beaten by own body. and despite being seriously ill, remained police officers, who then seized Ebru’s “I salute the courage of Ebru Timtik imprisoned. remains, and attempted to bury her away and call upon the Irish government and “We are almost a decade into a peace from the public eye. But despite being international community to speak out on process and the Spanish state has a re- attacked by security forces, supporters behalf of Aytaç Ünsal, Ebru’s co-accused sponsibility to resolve the situation of the marched to the cemetery where they took and fellow hunger striker, who is now in a remaining 230 Basque prisoners, including back Ebru’s remains in order to give her a critical condition.” proposals for an early release scheme.”

Sinn Féin President calls on government

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has writ- in the region based on the legitimate national and human rights of all tento to the welcome Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Palestinian Coveney Palestinians. unity initiative calling on the government to welcome and support “I have also called on the Irish government to recognise the State of the recent conference held in Ramallah and Beirut in- Palestine, and to use its position and influence in the European Council to: volving all the main Palestinian political forces aimed  Call for an end to the siege of Gaza; at bringing about a new unified initiative.  Propose that sanctions be imposed on the Israeli government in the She said: event of the annexation of large parts of Palestinian land, and; “I have written to the Foreign Affairs Minister asking  Demand that Israel ends the expansion of illegal settlements and the that the Irish government acknowledge, welcome and ongoing occupation of Palestine. support the recent significant and major development “The people of Palestine need international support. They also need in Palestine which has brought together all the main international action. Ongoing Israeli violations of international law and Palestinian forces and political parties in a unified universal rights conventions must be exposed, condemned and effectively approach to their plight. responded to. “Sinn Féin believes this offers the greatest potential Mary Lou “The Irish government should play a positive role in this process, ensur- to bring about a comprehensive peace agreement McDonald TD ing a permanent, credible and just peace is created in the Middle East.”

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Sinn Féin supports Palestinian

CivilSinn Féin has Society given their support toorganisations a call from Palestinian civic society organisations call toin a letter UN to the United Nations condemning Israeli apartheid. The appeal requests that UN member states ‘end apartheid in the 21st century’, ‘ban arms trade and military – security cooperation with Israel’, and ‘prohibit all trade with illegal Israeli settlements’. See full appeal below.

breach international law.” ‘Global Response to Israeli apartheid: In light of the mounting recognition of Israel’s maintenance of an A call to the UNGA from Palestinian and international Civil apartheid regime over the Palestinian people, which will only continue Society Organizations to be entrenched through annexation, we, the undersigned Palestin- Apartheid is a crime against humanity, giving rise to individual ian, regional, and international civil society organisations, urge the UN criminal responsibility and State responsibility to bring the illegal General Assembly to take urgent and effective actions to address the situation to an end. In May 2020, a large number of Palestinian civil root causes of Palestinian oppression and to end Israel’s occupation, society organisations called on all States to adopt “effective counter- illegal blockade of Gaza, unlawful acquisition of Palestinian territo- measures, including sanctions, to end Israel’s unlawful acquisition of ry by force, its regime of apartheid over the Palestinian people as Palestinian territory through use of force, its regime of apartheid, and a whole, and the prolonged denial of the inalienable rights of the its denial of our inalienable right to self-determination.” Palestinian people, including to self-determination and the right of In June 2020, 47 independent human rights experts within the Unit- Palestinian refugees and displaced persons to return to their homes, ed Nations (UN) stated that the Israeli government plans to illegally lands, and property. annex large parts of the occupied West Bank would constitute “a vi- sion of a 21st-century apartheid.” Also in June, 114 Palestinian, region- IN LIGHT OF THE ABOVE, WE CALL ON ALL MEMBER al, and international civil society organisations sent a strong message to UN Member States that now is the time to recognise and confront STATES OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO: Israel’s establishment and maintenance of an apartheid regime over  Launch international investigations into Israel’s apartheid re- the Palestinian people as a whole, including Palestinians on both gime over the Palestinian people as a whole, as well as associ- sides of the Green Line and Palestinian refugees and exiles abroad. ated State and individual criminal responsibility, including by We further recall that, in December 2019, the UN Committee on the reconstituting the UN Special Committee against Apartheid and Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) urged an end to Israeli the UN Centre Against Apartheid to end apartheid in the 21st policies and practices of racial segregation and apartheid, which century. disproportionately impact Palestinians on both sides of the Green  Line. As recently highlighted by South Africa at the UN Human Rights Ban arms trade and military-security cooperation with Israel. Council, “The CERD found… that the strategic fragmentation of the  Prohibit all trade with illegal Israeli settlements and ensure that Palestinian people formed part of a policy and practice of segregation companies refrain from and terminate business activities with and apartheid. Annexation would be yet another example of complete Israel’s illegal settlement enterprise.’ impunity that makes a mockery of this Council and would gravely

Gildernew calls for Turkish Government to release HDP political prisoners Sinn Féin MP has called for the imme- “All of this is taking place in the context wherein 45 of diate release of all HDP political prisoners and an end to the 65 HDP controlled municipalities have had their May- political repression by the Turkish state. ors arrested since last March. As we understand it, at least, Speaking the Fermangah and South Tyrone MP said: 21 mayors remain incarcerated. This cannot be tolerated or “It was deeply distressing to hear reports that two accepted in a supposed modern democratic society. HDP MPs, Leyla Güven and Musa Farisoğulları, have been “Sinn Féin condemns the Turkish government’s policy stripped of their ‘MP’ status and were arrested last night of mass arrests and the political repression of opposition – along with Enis Berberoğlu of the CHP, Turkey’s main parties. We are all too aware that the politics of suppres- opposition party. sion and exclusion are wrong and counterproductive. “This concerning news has only been exacerbated by Michelle Gildernew MP “The international community must bring pressure on reports this morning that police in Ankara attacked a the Turkish Government to respect the democratic wishes peaceful march of HDP MPs, as they made their way from parliament of the people. to Güvenpark, to protest these latest arrests. “The HDP are a legitimate political party and their mandate needs “Unfortunately, actions such as these are yet another reminder of to be respected. We call for an immediate end to all draconian actions President Erdoğan’s complete and total contempt for political opposi- against political opponents and the release all political prisoners. They tion and democratic norms. have our full solidarity.”

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Pat Sheehan MLA Sinn Féin raise Sinn Féin MPs with Catalan Politician, Economist, and professor, Elisenda Paluzie, President of the ANC (Assemblea Nacional Catalana) serious concerns at growing escalation Sinn Féin MP of violence in Gaza

Sinn Féin spokesperson for the attends Catalonian online event Middle East, Pat Sheehan MLA, has expressed the party’s growing In the lead up to ‘National Day of Catalonia’, 11th September, the Cat- concerns at reports of nightly attacks in Gaza. alonian political party, Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), held Speaking the West Belfast MLA an online event providing an update on the situation there. said: “At a time when the people of Sinn Féin was among the international guests invited to this event Gaza are suffering disproportion- and was represented by Mid-Ulster MP, Francie Molloy. ally from Covid-19 and the lack of adequate facilities and resources After the meeting Francie Molloy issued the following statement: required to deal with this crisis, it is deeply disturbing to receive reports of nightly bombings and On Catalonia’s ‘National Day’ Francie Molloy MP raids in Gaza. “The serious disruption to civil- calls for release of political prisoners ian life by the closure of the Karem Sinn Féin MP for Mid Ulster of all Catalan political prison- Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) goods Francie Molloy has extend- ers and for a general amnesty crossing, the threat of closure to ed solidarity to the Catalan to allow for those currently the only power plant available, people as they celebrate their in exile to return. These are and the imposition of a ban on National Day and called for political matters. They require fishing off the coast of Gaza by the release of Catalan politi- political solutions. the Israeli Government adds to cal prisoners in support of a “The future of the Catalan the already inhumane conditions talks process. countries will not be decided the people of Gaza are forced to The Sinn Féin MP said: by courts and judges. It will endure. “The people in Gaza need “On behalf of Sinn Féin I say Francie Molloy MP be decided by the people. ‘bona diada Catalunya’ to our “I call on the Spanish international support to be able to rebuild their collapsing economy Catalan friends as they cele- eral for political action, Sara Government to enter into free from violence, restrictions brate their National Day. Bailac, to be briefed on the meaningful dialogue with and disease. “The historic ties of latest political developments. the representatives of the “Sinn Féin calls on the interna- solidarity and comradeship “I was particularly con- Catalan Government and tional community to show their between the Catalan and cerned to hear about the other political parties to find solidarity with the people of Gaza Irish people run deep. plight of Catalan political a peaceful, political route by supporting the demand for an “I was delighted yesterday prisoners, many of whom are forward. end to all military actions and for to get the opportunity to being held on the basis of “The pursuit of national the Israeli Government to honour meet virtually with Esquerra spurious, politically motivat- self-determination is a noble their international obligations by Republicana’s Deputy Secre- ed charges. and legitimate cause and we ceasing their crippling blockade tary-General, Marta Vilalta, “On behalf of Sinn Féin, I will continue to stand with which has been in force since and their Vice Secretary-Gen- call for the immediate release the Catalan people.” 2007”.

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Sinn Féin’s John Brady TD, calls on Minister Simon Coveney to clarify if Irish troops have trained coup leaders in Mali

Sinn Féin spokesperson on ing for the leaders of the coup; has opposed the participa- Foreign Affairs and Defence some of whom had previously tion of Irish troops in the EU John Brady TD has called on been taken to Europe to re- mission to Mali, which we Minister Simon Coveney to ceive further military training. argue constitutes a breach of clarify whether Irish troops “Approximately 600 EU Irish neutrality. Irish Defence stationed in Mali as part of an troops, including members of Forces personnel were first EU military force have had any the Irish Army Ranger Wing, deployed to Mali in 2013 as role in the training of military have been providing the Mali part of the EU training Mission forces responsible for last military with training. (EUTM Mali) and at the time the week’s coup. “Notwithstanding the com- government were able to avoid He said: ments of EU Foreign Affairs seeking Dáil approval for the “The EU has admitted that its chief Josep Borrell, who claims deployment due to the small forces have provided training that ‘[they] don’t train armies numbers involved. for some of the leading figures to be putschists’, the Mali mili- “While we cannot say at for the coup d’état which has John Brady TD tary have been responsible for this time if any of the military resulted in the overthrow of a litany of human rights abuses figures involved in the coup the democratically elected “The EU has been forced to which continue to exacerbate were trained by Irish forces, I government of Mali and the suspend its training missions the ongoing conflict in the am calling on Minister Simon imprisonment of President in Mali because of revelations Sahel region. Coveney to clarify if this has Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. that EU troops provided train- “From the outset, Sinn Féin been the case without delay.”

Molloy condemns barring of Quim Torra from office Sinn Féin MP Francie Molloy has con- oned Catalan leaders. demned the ‘undemocratic’ barring of “These symbols are neither undemo- Catalan President Quim Torra from public cratic or criminal, but to the contrary. office and has called for the decision to be “The ‘yellow ribbon’ is a symbol of immediately overturned. democracy and national self-determina- The Mid Ulster MP said: tion; it is a symbol of human rights. “The decision by the Spanish Supreme “Democrats in the international com- Court to uphold the barring of Quim Torra munity cannot look the other way, the from public office is a direct assault on unjust and undemocratic prosecution of Catalan President Quim Torra democracy. democratically elected representatives “Tora Quim was banned from public of- by the Spanish Government and Judicial “On behalf of Sinn Féin, I would like to fice following the display of symbols from a System is reprehensible and must be extend our solidarity with Quim Torra and public building in solidarity with impris- roundly condemned by all. the Catalan people.”

‘Centenary of partition should be about achievement of reconciliationSinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney, and and Junior Minister, Irish has Unity’ - Declancan choose Kearney a different discourse, by beginning a new said 2021 should be about an inclusive conversation on progressive conversation about how our divided tradi- the continued transformation of our society towards tions can share a future of opportunity on this island: reconciliation and Irish Unity. To begin mapping out an agreed future together. Writing on Anphoblacht.com, The party’s National “Sinn Féin believes a new agreed Ireland built upon Chairperson said: the unity of all its people should put reconciliation and “The partition of Ireland is nothing to celebrate. Like healing at the heart of its civil and political institutions. Brexit, there was, and is no good partition. “2021 should be about an inclusive conversation on “It created an exclusionary ‘Orange State’, the conse- Declan Kearney MLA the continued transformation of this society towards quence of which was political conflict. the achievement of reconciliation and Irish unity. “The Good Friday Agreement transformed that context. That is “Sinn Féin is prepared to be challenged in that conversation, why it is so important for it to be fully implemented. and I particularly invite civic and community leaders within the “2021 and the centenary of partition will be a source of division wider unionist constituency to join us in having this dialogue.” if the reality that partition rests at the heart of our many divisions here in the North, and between Britain and Ireland, is ignored. You can read Declan Kearney’s full blog here: “We can continue arguing over the past throughout 2021, or we https://www.anphoblacht.com/contents/27930

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Sinn Féin nominate the ‘Henry2021 Reeve International

SinnMedical Féin elected representatives, Brigade’ TD’s, Senators, for MLA’s, the Nobel Peace Prize MP’s and MEP, have nominated the ‘Henry Reeve Inter- national Medical Brigade’ for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. In letters addressed to the organisers of the prestigious peace award the Sinn Féin elected representatives said:

“We, the undersigned, wish to nominate the ‘Henry Reeve International Medical Brigade’ for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. “Since its formation in 2005 the ‘Henry Reeve Interna- tional Medical Brigade’ has treated more than 3.5 million people in 21 countries around the World. “In honour of its courage in 2017 the World Health Organisation (WHO) awarded the Medical Brigade the Henry Reeve was a Brigadier General in Cuba’s Army of Liberation during the First Cuban highly prestigious Dr Lee Jong-Wook Memorial Prize for War of Independence (Ten Years’ War) (1868-1878). Named after Henry Reeve, this Public Health. medical brigade was created by President Fidel Castro in September 2005 after Hurricane “In the most recent global fight against the spread Katrina and now travels around the world to help and assist countries who are surviving of Covid-19 the ‘Henry Reeve International Medical catastrophes. Brigade’ formed part of the Cuban medical team, of over Despite U.S. efforts to undermine Cuba’s financial ability to survive with U.S. sanctions 1,400 medical personnel, which was sent to 22 countries. and also putting pressure on countries not to accept assistance from the Cuban Medical “The international solidarity, selflessness and care Brigade, Cuba has been able to send aid to over 16 countries, including medical personnel shown has been an inspiration and beacon of light in the and medicines, to assist in the fight against the latest world pandemic COVID-19. These midst of the deadly dark pandemic of Covid-19. countries include many in Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America, such as “In recognition of its tremendous work and humanity Togo, South Africa, Jamaica, Venezuela, Italy, and China. The embargo and sanctions is a we urge you to award the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize to the declaration of war, not only against the country of Cuba, but the people everywhere who ‘Henry Reeve International Medical Brigade’.“ need these vital health care services Sinn Féin initiate series of bilateral meetings during Covid Pandemic Between March and June this year, conference technology enabled us Sinn Féin held a series of inter- to engage much more conveniently. national bilateral meetings with a “This initiative gave us the op- range of political parties and rep- portunity to maintain and cement resentatives from SYRIZA (Greece), important fraternal relations and Die Linke (Germany), AKEL (Cyprus), to share experiences of how the EH Bildu (Basque Country), Esquerra various countries, political forces Republicana de Catalunya ERC (Cat- and societies were reacting to and alonia), Podemos (Spain), French managing the Covid 19 pandemic Communist Party PCF (France), Bloco which continues to impact on us all. de Esquerda (Portugal), and the “While differing approaches Nicaraguan Ambassador to Ireland have been adapted to counter the and Britain. threat posed by the pandemic to Explaining this initiative, Sinn SYRIZA representatives Georgios Katrougalos, Former our peoples, one consistent theme Féin National Chairperson, Declan Greek Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Rania Svigkov, in throughout these engagements was Kearney, said: Zoom call with Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan the opportunity to reshape societies “During the “lockdown” months Kearney and Conor Keenan in a fairer and more equal way. earlier this year, Sinn Féin initiated a “This initiative is something which series of bilateral meetings with fraternal “Ironically, while travel was severely Sinn Féin hopes to develop in the time parties across Europe and further afield. restricted, an emphasis on the use of video ahead.”

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