1200 PEOPLE PARTICIPATED IN THE FIRST ARAB MARCH IN BRUSSELS ON SATURDAY

Brussels, May 26, 2001

More than a thousand people, predominantly members of the Arab community, participated today in the Arab March organized by the Arab European League – Al Rabita- in the European capital Brussels.

The theme of the march was a protest against Israeli terror inflicted upon the Palestinian people. Nevertheless the forthcoming visit of Ariel Sharon to Belgium (announced the 5^th of June) laid its shadow on the protest.

The March lasted for three hours and ended at the stairs of the Brussels court of justice.

A symbolic destination said AEL president Dyab Abou Jahjah : " We want to send a signal to Europe and the rest of the world that such criminals as Sharon are not supposed to be received by officials but should stand trial and spend the rest of their lives behind bars".

 Despite the big outcome and the long distance the march was very well organized and was completely peaceful.

The National media granted the March and its theme an extended coverage, especially the presence of mothers and children among the marchers reminded everybody of the human suffering that innocent children and their mothers have to endure in Palestine.

"An emotional and yet peaceful march" commented the Flemish official TV network "VRT" in its eight o'clock news with the march as first headline. The French speaking Channel RTBF concentrated upon the protest against the Sharon visit and the demands to put him on trial.

At the end the Arab European League announced that several actions will be organized to protest against the Sharon visit "We ask you to stay alert and ready to mobilize" said  Abou Jahjah in his last word to the crowd.  

CHILDREN AND MOTHERS MARCHED FIRST

all in one voice  " SHARON ASSASSIN"