PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 6, 2011 (Wednesday)
The Spirit of Rachel Corrie finally was allowed to berth at the El-Arish Port on Tuesday July 5, 2011 at 7.10 pm (Egypt time) for the unloading of the UPVC pipes to Gaza. The cargo of 32 tonnes took almost 4 hours to be transferred to 7 awaiting trailers. The humanitarian aid cargo will be taken to Ouja at the Israeli border where it will be reassigned to other trailers sponsored by the Palestinians to be delivered to Gaza via Karem Shalom. The impasse finally ended after Perdana Global Peace Foundation President, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad met the Prime Minister of Egypt, Dr. Essam Sharaf on June 29 in Cairo.
The Perdana Global Peace Foundation records with sincere gratitude the initiative taken by Dr Essam Sharaf , the Prime Minister of Egypt in enabling the cargo of sewage pipes to be delivered directly to the people of Gaza.
The vessel left the Port of Piraeus, Greece on May 11 carrying 7.5 kilometers of UPVC (plastic) sewage pipes to help restore the devastated sewerage system in Gaza. On board the ship were anti-war activists and journalists, consisting of 7 Malaysians, 2 Irish, 2 Indians and 1 Canadian. All of them have since been permitted to disembark on June 3, 2011.
On 16 May, the boat entered Palestinian territorial waters and was just 400 meters from land when it came under attack by the Israeli Navy. After coming under gunfire from the Israeli Navy, the boat was forced to divert to Egyptian waters; and later on the same day, anchored off El Arish Port where it remained for the last 7 weeks waiting for permission to dock.
PGPF would like to convey our deepest appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia and especially to the Malaysian Embassy in Egypt for their assistance and cooperation throughout the ordeal. This humanitarian initiative is sponsored by the Perdana Global Peace Foundation (PGPF).
About PGPF
The Perdana Global Peace Foundation (PGPF), formerly Perdana Global Peace Organisation (PGPO), is a first but resolute step in the arduous journey towards global peace, moves towards the single goal of putting an end to war. Its founder, YABhg Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, envisages “a serious, active and sustained struggle against war and for peace”. Sharing and supporting this agenda are world-prominent professionals, intellectuals, authors, statesmen – all passionate advocates of international peace. Together, they have signed the Kuala Lumpur Initiative to Criminalise War.
“The Palestinian struggle is nothing more than a struggle for justice, to which they, as much as everyone else, have a right.” Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, President of PGPF.
Previous updates:
Gaza mission slams UN chief, 5 June 2011
PGPF Still Proud Although Mission Unable To Reach Gaza, 2 June 2011
3 Gaza aid activists arrive home, 2 June 2011
Analysis: Why is Israel Afraid of Sewage Pipes?, 30 May 2011
Strangers Turn Friends On Spirit Of Rachel Corrie, 26 May 2011
Commentaries: The Spirit Of Rachel Corrie Mission, 25 May 2011
Twelve Days of Breaking Siege, 24 May 2011
The Other Side of the Siege, 23 May 2011
MV Finch Still Stranded, Water Supply Running Out, 23 May 2011
Crew have Palestinians very much on their mind, 20 May 2011
Experiences Of Those On Board The Spirit Of Rachel Corrie Vessel, 19 May 2011
Spirit of Rachel Corrie – Message of Support, 18 May 2011
Shocked, but mission still ‘a success’, 18 May 2011
Conveying My Concern for the Safety of All On Board the Malaysian Ship, 17 May 2011
Press Release:
The Spirit of Rachel Corrie attacked by the Israeli naval forces – Press Release 1
The ship’s 12 crew and passengers are safe – Press Release 2
PGPF condemned the act of aggression by the Israeli Naval Forces – Press Release 3
MV FINCH to make Another Attempt to Enter Gaza – Press Release 4
Spirit of Rachel Corrie Mission objects to the use of an Israeli land port – Press Release 5
‘Spirit Of Rachel’ Corrie Broke The Illegal Siege On Gaza – Press Release 6
