Local MEP addresses Jamia Masjid Akroonia Islamic Centre (Bromsgrove Liberal Democrats)

Bromsgrove Liberal Democrats <raygeoffray@aol.com>

Local MEP addresses Jamia Masjid Akroonia Islamic Centre

April 3, 2009 12:00 AM
Originally published by West Midlands Liberal Democrats

Liz Lynne MEP. Lib Dem West Midlands MEP Liz Lynne today addressed community members at the Jamia Masjid Akroonia Islamic Centre before Friday prayers.

Liz, who is a member of the European Parliament's Human Rights Subcommittee, discussed the current situation in Kashmir and the need for the UK and the rest of the European Union to stand up to Israel over the continued blockade of the Gaza Strip. Liz also discussed the effect of the recession on local businesses and the need for the Government to do more to help small businesses.

Speaking after the meeting Liz said:

"A just and lasting solution can only be achieved in Kashmir by the Kashmiri people being placed at the forefront of the process. Whilst I acknowledge the involvement of both India and Pakistan in this process, it is the Kashmiri people's human rights that we must highlight and protect."

"In Gaza, it is vital that Israel lifts it's illegal blockade of the border and allows aid and resources through. We must do all we can to bring to an end Israel's collective punishment of the Palestinian people and promote a negotiated peace process."

"I was pleased that the latest resolution on the Gaza blockade passed in the European Parliament received such overwhelming, cross-party support. I would have liked it to have been stronger in its criticism of Israel's recent actions but the text was written to gain the widest possible backing from political parties who would not normally have voted for it."

Liz also talked about the financial crisis that has hit local businesses in Birmingham saying:

"The Government must take action not only to stop the banks collapsing, but to promote the conditions for small businesses in Birmingham and nationally to recover.