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Statement Of the General Secretariat of International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions – ICATU on the Occasion of the Disaster of May 15
Since 87 years, the Palestinian people have been exposed in their country to the disaster of May 15, which has resulted to homeless hundred thousands of Palestinians, destroying hundreds Palestinian villages and occupying more than 78% of Palestinian territories by the military Zionist organizations. Since that date, the painful anniversary is renewing to let us remember the Palestinians , who lost their houses, having the hope to return back home some day. During the past years, the Palestinians still enter the unequal conflict with Zionist entity supported by the American imperialist powers. In this context, we have to recognize that the Palestinians have achieved good success to put the processes under control, approve their political, civilized and struggle presence in spite of all attempts of Zionist movement to marginalize them. But due to Palestinian struggle against the Zionist hostile, the Zionist entity has been found in historical ordeal, therefore, the Zionist entity has exposed from time to time some projects with the aim to annihilate the issue of Palestinian refuges. On this occasion, ICATU General Secretariat renews its pan-Arab stands with the Arab Central issue. Palestine issue, confirming that there is no peace, no stability in the region without regaining the Palestinian occupied territories, freedom and establishing Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital in addition to achieve the right to return of refugees to their home and full withdrawal of Israeli occupation from Syrian Golan, and Lebanese Shabaa farms. In this context, ICATU General Secretariat renews its worry against the plan of unilateral Zionist separation proposed by Sharon. ICATU General Secretariat calls upon the Arab states, popular and trade union organizations to strengthen the efforts to put an end to the Zionist plans, it calls to unify all efforts to work together to support the Palestinian rights against Zionist entity and to exert more efforts to the Zionist entity through the international organizations to force Israeli government to implement the international resolutions concerning the Palestinian issue.
General Secretariat International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions ICATU
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Statement Of General Secretariat of International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions – ICATU – On the Occasion of May Day – World Workers Day –
Today May1, all the workers and producers worldwide celiberate the World Workers Day – May Day -, the day of solidarity for the social justice, the day is against the domination, oppression and discrimination. On this occasion, ICATU General Secretariat greets the Arab homeland workers and world workers, wishing them the perseverance of their struggle to achieve more benefits and privileges for a new world prevailed by the social justice, equality and dignity of all peoples. On this occasion, ICATU General Secretariat renews its confirmation to continue working and defending the trade union rights and freedoms, developing the social and economic rights of workers, ensuring the unity, independence and democracy of trade union movement and strengthening the correlation with the issues of workers and society. ICATU General Secretariat confirms continuing its efforts to develop the situations of Arab Trade Union movement and strengthen its position for facing the challenges imposed by the economic and technology changes, particularly, the changes concerning the globalization phenomenon and privatization and its negative impacts on the world work and workers, which try to reduce the benefits of working class and marginalize the trade union movement. In this May Day, ICATU General Secretariat appreciates the trade union developments which have been witnessed in many of Arab Gulf states, at the head Bahrain, and hopping that such step or development to be generalized over all other Arab Gulf states. On this world workers Day, ICATU General Secretariat highly greets and estimates the role of Arab Labour Organization - ALO – on implementation the Arab labour standards and find out the suitable framework for the reaction of Arab tripartite production parties in order to serve the social and economic development issues. It also highly greets and estimates the great efforts of ILO to fasten the bases of decent work for workers. Our ICATU renews its confirmation, according to the orientations issued by its 11th Congress, to strengthen the efforts and activate the performance of Arab trade union movement to achieve “ an independent Arab homeland enjoys freedom, democracy and social justice”. May1, 2005 comes this year while Palestinian people still under the occupation, fighting against the Zionist aggression, facing the policies of blockade, subdual, starving, frozen their financial incomes and destroying their national economy practiced by the Zionist government which aims to completely destroy the Palestinian infrastructure and society, and to impose the fact of occupation, settlement, Judaization and defeating the Palestinian hopes to achieve the freedom and independence. In this context, ICATU General Secretariat calls to exert more efforts to support the struggle of Palestinian people on all moral, financial and political fields in order to enable them to steadfast and confront all attempts aiming to fully dominate the Palestinian territories and Judaization of Jerusalem and to enable Palestinian people to establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital and the right of return of Palestinian refugees to their own homeland. May1, 2005 also comes this year while the American occupation on Iraq still existing since two years, when thousands of Iraqis have been killed and injured, and Iraqi people and workers still suffering under the occupation, poverty and unemployment. Therefore, ICATU General Secretariat calls to unify all Arab efforts to put an end to the Anglo- American occupation on Iraq, it calls upon Iraqi workers to unify their classes and reject away all kind of separation and dispersion and to strengthen their efforts for facing all challenges imposed by the occupation policy on all social, economic and political fields. May1,2005 comes also while Syria is exposed to American- European savage attack which aims to keep Syria separated alone regionally and internationally. In main time, Sudan is also exposed to many external interventions which aim to destroy its national unity and weaken its sovereignty on its own lands. Our ICATU General Secretariat condemns the American – Zionist hostile policies, it confirms that there is NO peace, NO stability and NO social justice in absence of legal rights of occupied peoples to get rid of all kind of occupations soon or late. Our ICATU General Secretariat confirms that facing the hostile policies requests strengthening the Arab integration and solidarity on all fields, in addition to the popular participation. It confirms supporting Syria- Heart of Arabism – to confront all American interventions and blackmails which aim finally to dominate whole Arab homeland. Our ICATU General Secretariat confirms the rights of Syria and Lebanon to regain their occupied territories in Syrian Golan and Lebanese Shabaa farms. Greetings to the workers hands on whole Arab homeland. Maintaining the flame of May 1st – World Workers Day – to be always highlighted on the workers and trade unionists worldwide.
General Secretariat
International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions ICATU
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URGENT APPEAL
Codéveloppement avec le Tiers monde, 1, Résidence des Buissons. 94500 Champigny Tel: 01 43 46 51 94 Courriel: contact@iraqresistance.net Site: www.iraqresistance.net
Dear Colleagues;
On behalf of Millions of Arab workers, our ICATU General Secretariat addresses this urgent appeal to liberate immediately the arrested Mr. Abdul Jabbar Alkubaysi, the President of Iraqi national Alliance and editor in chief of “ NIDA’A Al Watan” daily newspaper, who was arrested in Iraq since September 14, 2004 by the American occupying forces, when he issued the statement by which he has condemned the arrest act of French hostages and urged the Iraqi resistance forces to liberate those hostages. While our ICATU General Secretariat confirms its condemnation to the American occupation on Iraq and badly treating Iraqi people, it accuses the occupation forces for the ugly crimes made by the American occupiers, it condemns the arrest act of the Iraqi citizen, Alkubaysi, it urges to liberate him immediately and it raises one’s voice together with all other parties requesting his liberation.
General SecretariatInternational Confederation of Arab Trade Unions - ICATU -
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STATEMENT Issued by our ICATU General Secretariat on the Occasion of the Land Day Anniversary
On March 28,2005, our ICATU General Secretariat has issued the following statement, on the 29th anniversary of the land day which reads as follows: In this day the 29th anniversary of land day, the Palestinian people renew their willing to confront the unfair and Zionist occupation forces and the territories confiscation. On March 30, 1976, the Palestinians stood up to confront the Zionist colonialism and Palestinian territories confiscation resulted many martyrs and injuries in Jalil, Mothalath and Nocob villages. While our ICATU General Secretariat expresses its high estimation and pride of Arab population struggle in occupied Palestine since 1948, it greets the Palestinian people struggle and their value sacrifices and their persevering struggle to defeat the occupied territories, establish the independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital and the right of Palestinian refuges to return. Our ICATU General Secretariat expresses its opposition to the racial separation wall, it greets the steadfastness of Palestinian people inside the occupied Palestine and it highly appreciates the Palestinian people in their stable stands and national unity to face the value challenges imposed by the conflict with Zionist entity. Knowing that the most dangerous challenges are the dangers of territories confiscation and judaization. ICATU General Secretariat confirms the importance of rejecting the current octopus attempts which aim to impose so-called “ the civil service “ on Palestinian people inside the occupied Palestine since the Palestine disaster in 1948. this so-called “ the civil service” has appeared from the Zionist military and security vision as an attempt to justify the discrimination policy presently and in the future, and to let the victim holds the responsibility instead of occupier. On this occasion, our ICATU General Secretariat calls upon all trade union organizations and Arab labour vocational federations to increase their support to the struggle of workers and people of Palestine, to organize a Palestinian day to survive the Palestinian memory, to treat the Zionist practices which aim to confiscate the Palestinian territories and to deprive the Palestinian people of their right on their own land. ICATU General Secretariat calls upon the International Community, and world governments, organizations and institutions to hold their responsibilities in order to put an end to the sufferance of Palestinian people and ensure the stability, security and peace in this region through the implementation of international legitimacy resolutions and to force the Israeli entity to withdraw from all occupied Arab territories in Palestine, Syrian Golan and Lebanese Shabaa farms and to enable the Palestinians to establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
- Greeting to the Land Day martyrs. - Greeting to Arab nation and Palestinian martyrs. - Greeting to the hands whish defend, protect and liberate the territories from the Zionist occupation.
General Secretariat
International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions - ICATU-
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Her Excellency the Ambassador of Popular Republic of CHINA Visits the headquarters of ICATU General Secretariat
On March 28,2005, Brother Hacene Djemam – ICATU General Secretary – has received her Excellency Mrs. Zaho Zioha – Ambassador of Popular Republic of China in Damascus , in presence of Brother Rajab Maatouk – ICATU Deputy General Secretary – Head of International Relations and Migration- and Brother Farouk Sourej – ICATU Director of International Department and Migration.
They discussed the firm relations between All China General Federation of Trade Unions and Arab trade union organizations in addition to the regional and international situations and their negative impacts on the workers and peoples. They confirmed the importance of solidarity and cohesion to face the challenges and the importance of workers’ role and their trade unions.
In her turn, her Excellency, the Ambassador expressed the solidarity of Chinese workers with Arab and Arab workers issues. She invited ICATU and its affiliated organizations to participate in the initiative which will be held in China within the framework of Chinese – Arab cooperation the next months, Brother Hacene Djemam – ICATU General Secretary- has accepted this cordial invitation by principle in condition to be held in the second semi year of 2005.
He bid farewell to Mrs. Ambassador expressing his thanks and gratitude to her visit and Chinese trade unions friends.
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STATEMENTIssued by ICATU General Secretariat on the occasion of the second anniversary of Anglo- American occupation on Iraq
Today, on March 20, is the second painful anniversary of Anglo-American occupaiton on iraq, where USA and Britain have launched their aggression on Iraq brother led to destroy Iraq and its social and political society and increase its economic crises in addition to lay the foundation of establishing the American existance in the region. During last period, USA could establish many strategic military bases over Iraq and neighboring countries within a great logistic cooperation with the ugly Zionist entity. While our ICATU General Secretariat strongly condemns and rejects the aggressive war on Iraq. It trusts that this war is as introduction to the American aggression Sinario which includes whole Islamic and Arab region with the aim to implement the so-called “ Project of Great Middle East”. So, we draw your intention to the risk imposed on Arab situation because we believe that the allegations of Bush administration with the projects of spreading out the democracy, reform and development in the region are aiming to firmly dominate our Arab nation capabilities, will, culture and normalization relations with Zionist entity. On this sad occasion, our ICATU General Secretariat calls upon the Arab people to stand together in one line to defend our people in Iraq, it expresses its condemnation to the organized state terrorism practiced by USA. Our ICATU General Secretariat claims to put an end to the occupation and to enable the Iraqi people to achieve their right of self determination according to their free will and build their independent state based on basis of national democracy. It calls upon the Arab governments in the Arab summit congress held in Algeria to move ahead on all popular, official, Arab and international fields to put an end to the Iraqi people’s sufferance and liberate Iraq from the occupation, face the projects exposed by USA which aim to dominate whole region and force it to American – Zionist dictations. In this context, ICATU General Secretariat denounces the suspected appeals which call to normalize the relations and establish commercial and political relations with Zionist entity before achieving the peace and the independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, the right of Palestinian refuges to return, the withdrawal from occupied Syrian Golan and Lebanese Shabaa farms. ICATU General Secretariat calls upon the Arab summit to put an end to the Anglo-American occupation on Iraq in order to NOT give free gifts to the Zionist enemies nor to American administration which occupy our lands and loot our welfares. ICATU General Secretariat calls upon the International Community to put an end to the unipolar barbarian America under the pretexts of launching the war on terror and spreading out the democracy where this American policy aims to impose the American unipolar on the international system and dominate the whole Middle East region due to its strategic position and oil welfares in order to serve the American – Zionist interests, knowing that such policy aims to demolish the security and stability in the region and world wide. In this context, ICATU General Secretariat calls upon Iraqi people and their national powers to exert more efforts to NOT allow to occupiers and their allies to disassemble their national unity by strengthening the national unity class of Iraqi people, giving the priority to defeat the occupiers and building an united free Iraq. ICATU General Secretariat calls upon governments, Arab, popular and trade union organizations to support Iraqi people and their resistance to defeat the occupiers and build an united independent democratic free Iraq away from all Anglo-American military bases.
It calls upon the human organizations, bodies and international trade union organizations to exert more pressure on USA and allies to withdraw from Iraq brother and from all region states.
Long live Iraq united and free. Long live Iraqi resistance steadfastness against Anglo-American occupation. Glory for the martyrs of Iraq and our Arab nation.
General Secretariat International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions ICATU
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StatementIssued by ICATU General Secretariat on the Occasion of Annual Anniversary of ICATU foundation
On March 24, 1956, since about half century, the International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions – ICATU – has been founded under Pan-Arab expending to get rid of the impacts of colonialism and confronting the Zionist project on Arab Palestinian land. Since first moment of its foundation in Damascus till now, our ICATU has carried the persevering struggle to defend our Arab nation issues, achieve the Arab goal to build the Arab homeland which includes all Arab states and move ahead towards the united and strong Arab homeland, able to achieve the Arab civilization, dignity and glory. Since its foundation till now, our ICATU still standing up facing the storms which have changed the political geography of many states. It could, by its steadfastness and perseverance, continue its generous offers in the path of defending the workers interests and their social, economic and trade union issues, holding unlimited struggle against the savage capital, privatization projects, structural rehabilitation and for the workers interests and their trade union freedom. On this trade unionist and Pan-Arab occasion, our ICATU General Secretariat stands to face the economic and political changes in order to renew its support to the steadfastness of Palestinian people against the Zionist aggression which aims to break our steadfastness and will and to demolish our national entity under unequal circumstances. Our ICATU General Secretariat expresses its highest consideration to the struggle of workers and people of Palestine and its full support to their struggle to achieve their freedom and independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital and their right to return. ICATU General Secretariat is confident that the Palestinian people never accept the Zionist aggression and they are able to continue their struggle to achieve their goals. ICATU General Secretariat renews its support and stand against the American – European threats on Syria, by other hand it congratulates the efforts of Syrian and Lebanese governments to implement the Taïf agreement, expresses solidarity with the workers of Syria and Lebanon and calls them to strengthen the firm bilateral labour relations in order to face the opposite sides which aim to destroy the Arabism and unity of Lebanon. It confirms the right of Syria and Lebanon to defend their occupied territories and to restore the occupied Syrian Golan and Lebanese Shabaa farms from the Zionist occupation. ICATU General Secretariat renews its stand and attitude with Iraqi people to confront and defeat the American occupying forces. It appreciates the steadfastness and perseverance of Iraqi people who resist and defend their land unity. On this occasion, ICATU General Secretariat appreciates Iraqi workers who practice double struggle against the American occupying forces and against the poverty and unemployment in Iraq which led to dangerous humanity catastrophe on many fields. It expresses its solidarity with Sudan unity and appreciates the historical agreement made by Sudanese government to put an end to the war between North and South of Sudan in order to achieve the economic development for the interest of all Sudanese workers. This annual anniversary of ICATU foundation is a good opportunity for our ICATU to confirm its pan-Arab unchangeable stands and principles to continue working for defending the trade union issues in Arab homeland. So ICATU General Secretariat confirms today its unchangeable path to strengthen the trade union rights and freedoms in the Arab homeland, it also confirms its continuous struggle to develop the social and economic rights of Arab workers as a part of social and economic development integration for all Arab countries. On this occasion, ICATU General Secretariat reconfirms the importance of strengthening the unity of Arab labour trade union to face the neo-liberalism savage attack which aims to decrease the working class’s rights and benefits. ICATU General Secretariat aims to mobilize all support of labour trade unions on international field to face the neo-liberalism savage attack, globalization risks, market economy, the attempts of marginalization of the pioneer role of trade union movement and elimination of all benefits of workers. Therefore, ICATU General Secretariat calls upon all trade union organizations to establish a world trade union front based on equality and mutual respect to defend the trade union rights and freedoms and to lay the foundation of establishing the international labour standards to defend the issues of freedoms, peace and justice worldwide.
Long Live International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions – ICATU –
Long Live the struggle of Arab working class.
General Secretariat
International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions - ICATU-
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StatementICATU General Secretariat on the Occasion of World Woman Day
In spite of the acknowledge of all world wide communities that the woman is the half of the society, and she is the life base in all human societies, but the woman still, particularly in our Arab societies, suffers the deprivation of a lot of her rights, the woman issue still one of hindrances to developing the societies. Therefore, if we don’t deal frankly and sincerely with the woman’s situation, she will stay below the requested level and she will still suffer the weakness and marginalization of her human, social and political role. The weakness of woman role and her social position are because of economic mechanisms which dominate the society and impose their cultural domination on her. Therefore, we, the trade unionists, must deal properly with the woman development issue expressing our solidarity with her with the aim to regain her lost rights. In our societies, the woman is not considered as an independent social human been, because she is the last one who participates effectively in the public life. This bad image is clear because of her deprivation of education, even the society doesn’t recognize the importance of her effective participation in economic activities. Such as “ the work “ the woman is the last one who expresses her opinion because of the social marginalization and the low level of her education degree. Her participation in political life is below the requested level. The hard social and economic conditions resulted by the globalization of economy led to increase the poverty rate between the peoples of poor countries and to harm the woman as – unfortunately - a sign of increasing subdual of woman situation. Therefore, we have to exert great efforts within our organizations to look after the working woman in order to protect her and implement the international labour conventions and agreements and to ensure the decent work as the priority of social dialogue and collective bargaining of our ICATU. What ever the situation, we have to mention the benefits achieved by the woman in our Arab countries wishing to achieve more benefits. Today, March 8, Our ICATU celebrates the world woman Day and condemns the catastrophic social, economic, cultural and political situation of the woman. Our ICATU is very worry of the dangerous impacts of Zionist occupation on Palestine and American occupation on Iraq on the Palestinian and Iraqi women. Our ICATU warms the increase of civil conflicts’ impacts on the woman situation such as the persecution and violence against her. At the same time, our ICATU stands up with full respect for the injury and martyrs women who offered their bloods and souls for their country freedom against the occupation on Palestine, Iraq, Lebanon and Syrian Golan. While Our ICATU greets the struggle of Palestinian prisoners women in Zionist occupation prisons, it calls upon the human rights organizations to defend and free them. Our ICATU renews its full solidarity with the struggle of all women and working women Arab and world-wide in defending the woman rights, implementing all international conventions, respecting the ILO labour standards, implementing the UN programs concerning the woman and achieving the legal requisition of woman. Our ICATU calls, on this occasion, all labour trade unions to stand up in one line against all forms of discrimination against woman worldwide, and it calls to exert more solidarity toward a world free of all forms of persecution against the woman.
General Secretariat International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions ICATU
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StatementICATU General Secretariat Condemnsthe American – European Threats Against Syria
Every body knows that the ugly crime resulted the death of former Lebanese Prime Minister, the martyr Mr. Rafik Alhariri has aimed to destroy the Arabism of Lebanon. There were many local powers profiting the assassination event where USA and EU have had the aim, within Brussels summit, to achieve a kind of international auspice on Lebanon. Therefore, the request of immediate and full implementation of UN Security Council resolution no. 1559 has been done. The ICATU General Secretariat confirms its rejection and condemnation against the internationalization of Lebanese issues which is away from the Taïf Agreement which is against the tearing of Lebanese society unity which couldn’t be persisted without the sacrifices of Syrian government and people for the Lebanese unity. The ICATU General Secretariat condemns the American-European alliance of Brussels summit concerning the Lebanese issue, it confirms the necessity for all Lebanese people, government and workers to assume their national and trade union responsibility. ICATU General Secretariat understands that the threats and pressures practiced on Syria are American strategy followed by the American administration to break down the Syrian steadfastness will which rejects the project of “ Great Middle East” starting from Baghdad reaching all other Arab capitals and to force Syria do not request its legal requisition to Israeli withdrawal from occupied Syrian Golan, and the foreign attempts to disassemble the unity of Syrian – Lebanese path in order to impose the American – Israeli solutions concerning the Palestinian people. The ICATU General Secretariat requests the necessity to implement the Taïf Agreement to be as the unique Arab option in the next Arab summit which will be held in Algeria with the aim to solve the Lebanese problem within Arab solution instead to impose the auspice on Lebanon. The ICATU General Secretariat condemns the double standard policy in implementing the international legitimacy resolutions, it remind the international Community of having tens of specific resolutions which have been issued, concerning the Arab-Israeli conflict, which still are just mere ink on paper ( No effect ). Therefore, ICATU General Secretariat calls upon all Arab trade unionists and workers to better understand the danger against Arab region generally and Syria and Lebanon particularly and to stand up for facing all plans aiming to achieve more dispersion and separation between the Arab homeland people.
General Secretariat
International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions ICATU
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Our ICATU General Secretary meets Ambassador of Cuba
On October 21,2004 Brother Hacene Djemam – ICATU General Secretary received his excellency: Ambassador of Cuba in Damascus Mr. Ramos Porigo. The meeting which held in ICATU General Secretary’s office has been attended by Brother Rajab Maatouk – ICATU Deputy General Secretary, Head of International Department. During meeting, the both sides have exchanged the points of view on trade union situations on Arab and international levels, and discussed the solidarity relations between trade union movements in Cuba and in Arab homeland.
STATEMENTOf ICATU General Secretariat on TABA operationconsidered as a threat of security and stability in Egypt
A statement has been issued on October 14,2004 by our ICATU General Secretariat condemning TABA operation which reads as follows: ICATU general Secretariat condemns TABA operation which is considered as an attempt to undermine the security, economic and political stability in Egypt and demolish its role to face the distinctive challenges facing our Arab nation, particularly, demolishing Egyptian positive efforts to strengthen Palestinian national unity and protect Palestinian people to confront the Zionist entity. ICATU General Secretariat renews its condemnation against state terrorism, particularly, organized state terrorism practiced by Zionist entity against Palestinian people as same as practiced by Anglo- American occupying forces against Iraq. Such as, destruction and assassinations daily practiced against several Palestinians and Iraqis. This practices may encourage rising violence climate and extremism in the region. ICATU’s general Secretariat has confirmed to put an end to the racial and aggressive practices of Zionist entity, end its occupation on the Arab territories of Palestine, Syrian Golan and South Lebanon ( Shabaa farms ) and enable Palestinian people to regain their just and legitimate rights, especially, their right to establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. ICATU General Secretariat has equally confirmed to put an end to the Anglo-American occupation on Iraq and enable Iraqi people of self determination according to their free national will, which may create a good climate to undermine and weaken the extremist terrorist groups and strengthen the security and stability in the region and worldwide.
ICATU Delegation headed byDeputy General Secretary Visits ChinaBrother Rajab Maatouk – ICATU Deputy General Secretary, Head of International Relations- Delegation head - and Brother Toumeh Al Jawabra – ICATU Assistant General Secretary for Arab Relations – Delegate member – have visited China on October 9-10,2004 to participate in the international trade union meeting on: ”economic Globalization and Trade Unions” with the participation of many regional and international trade union organizations. Our ICATU delegation met Mr. Wang Zao FO – All China Federation of trade union President. Exchanged the points of view regarding the globalization processes and its negative impacts on work and workers under the wing of American polarization dominating the international resolutions and economic process. They equally exchanged points of view on the risks and challenges facing Arab region, particularly, direct occupation on Arab territories and violence practiced against civilians. They spoke about the practices of Zionist occupiers against Palestinian people, Anglo- American occupation forces against Iraq as well, direct threats against Syria and Darfour crisis in Sudan. Our ICATU delegation also met Mr. Chang Jing Jeo- Vice President of All China Federation Trade Unions – in presence of Mr. Shio Shat Hwan – Secretary of General Secretariat – Mrs. Van official of international relations – and Mr. Leo responsible of Middle East and Africa. They discussed the ways to develop the bilateral relations and coordination in international initiatives, particularly, in international Labour Conference – ILC- as well as discussed the Arab and international issues among our ICATU point of view which confirms to establish an international trade union front. All delegations met his excellency, Chinese President Mr. Ho Zin Tao where they presented the solidarity speeches praising the trade union situations and progress in China.
Meanwhile, Brother Rajab Maatouk has delivered the speech of our ICATU general Secretariat speaking about the positives and negatives of globalization, confirming the importance to face the risks of American process which impacts negatively on world integration and cooperation process and threats the international security and peace. Brother Maatouk has criticized the anarchy resulted by the American domination policy wich divides the world into two ( with USA or against USA). He confirmed the necessity to establish a world system based on balance of powers and respect of international legitimacy. He equally confirmed the importance of international trade union solidarity and rising the role of trade unions. During the meeting, our delegation has presented working papers on: “ The impacts of economic globalization on international trade union movement and the suggested solutions” and on: “ The orientation to develop the international trade union movement”.
Our ICATU General Secretary MeetsTurkish Trade union Delegation
On November 4, Brother Hacene Djemam – ICATU Secretary General- met trade union delegation from KESK – Turkey – headed by Mr. Sami Evren – KESK President – with presence of brother Toumeh Al Jawabra - ICATU Assistant General Secretary - and brother Farouk Sourej – ICATU international department Director-. They discussed the ways to strengthen the bilateral relations and cooperation within different labour activities. They discussed also the situations of Arab and Turkish trade union movements and exchanged the points of view on the challenges facing the trade union movement on all fields among the challenges of privatization, negative impacts of globalization and the attempts of shrinking workers benefits. During the meeting, they discussed the current situation in Middle East, particularly, in Palestine and Iraq, where Turkish delegation has condemned the Israeli occupation and supported the rights of Palestinian people, their rights to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. Turkish delegation has equally condemned the Anglo-American occupation on Iraq, supported the Iraqi people’s will to get rid of occupation, to practice their right of self determination and maintain Iraq’s unity as people and land. Turkish delegation confirmed the ties of geographical, historical and cultural neighboring which are gathering the Turkish people and Arab nation. In his turn, Brother Djemam – ICATU General Secretary – has confirmed the interest of our ICATU to develop its relations with Turkish trade union movement and strengthen the firm cooperation and solidarity between Arab and Turkish workers in order to face the social and economic challenges. Brother Djemam has confirmed that the just and comprehensive peace requires Israeli withdraw from all Arab occupied territories of Palestine, Syrian Golan and the remaining of South Lebanon and enable Palestinian people to regain their legitimate rights. End of the meeting, the both sides agreed to continue the coordination and contact between the two organizations to serve Arab and Turkish workers. Noting that Turkish delegation has visited Syria in responding to the invitation of General Federation of Trade unions in Syria.
STATEMENTOf ICATU General Secretariat on the decision issued byprovisional Iraqi governmentnominating a Federation of Iraqi workersGeneral Secretariat of ICATU has issued a statement on October 23, by which, it criticized the interferences in Iraqi trade union movement affairs, which reads as follows: On July10, 2004, Mr. Iyad Allawy – Iraqi Prime Minister – has issued a decision that: The General Federation of trade unions in Iraq headed by Mr. Racem Hassen Al Awadi is the legal and juristic representative of Iraqi trade union movement confirming the previous decision issued by provisional governing Council on January 28,2004. By principle, the two decisions are not legal nor juristic because the legitimate recognition for any legal body or trade union leadership must be issued by workers and trade union bases which only have the right to choose and elect their supreme trade union leaderships through their congresses and according to Arab and international labour conventions and standards which are ratified by Iraq, particularly the international labour conventions no: 87 and 98 and Arab labour convention no: 8.
Within the current situation of Iraq, which witnesses trade union pluralism, the attempts to impose the recognition of such trade union organization on Iraqi working class is considered as a shameful interference in domestic trade union and labour affairs and opposition to the trade unionists and workers whom lonely have the right to choose and elect their trade unionists representatives and leaderships according to their will and desire, they only have the right to grant the legitimacy to their leaderships. The decision of Iraqi Prime Minister to grant the legitimacy to such trade union organization regardless the opinion of real trade union and labour bases is considered as a violence against the right of freedom, trade union association and independence. Equally considered as attempts to undermine the efforts and initiatives aiming to unify the Iraqi trade union groups and movement. Particularly, the initiative of our ICATU General Secretariat which is agreed and signed by Mr. Racem Al Awadi’s group in the meeting held during holding the Arab labour conference ( Damascus 14/02/2004 ) and the meeting held on 19/09/2004. The ICATU initiative provides for making general trade union elections - when Iraqi domestic conditions permit – to elect new trade union leadership to be recognized by all workers groups and represents all Iraqi workers. The ways to look for the reunifying Iraqi trade union movement and working class based on democracy, independence and respect of opposite opinion, are considered the only guaranty to grant the legitimacy and law to whom chosen by Iraqi workers and trade unionists according to their will and desire. The ICATU General Secretariat and all other Arab workers and trade unionists will continue their efforts to reunify the Iraqi working classe and Iraqi trade union movement with the aim to unify the land and people of Iraq, independence and rejecting the occupation. In this concern, ICATU General Secretariat addressed many cables to: Mr. Iyad Allawy- Iraqi Prime Minister – Mr. Ibrahim Kweider – General Director of Arab Labour Organization ( ALO ) and Mr. Juan Somavia – General Director of International Labour Organization ( ILO ) expressing its worry of the act made by provisional Iraqi government interfering in the Iraq trade union affairs which is opposite to the trade union rights and freedoms and against the Iraqi labour bases will. This act is considered invalid. Therefore ICATU General Secretariat asks Iraqi government to cancel it and offer the opportunity to Iraqi trade unionists and workers to choose and elect their representatives on the base of democracy and trade union independence. ICATU General Secretariat calls upon ILO and ALO to discuss the matter with Iraqi government in order to cancel its decision and settle the problem by making election among the trade union bases with full freedom and democracy. APPEAL TO: Our Arab PopulationHow long the Arab territories,rights and bloods are desecrated?Let us stand in one line againstthe savage American aggressionon our people in Iraq
For confronting the savage aggression launched by Anglo-American military forces on our people in Iraq, our ICATU General Secretariat has issued an appeal on September11, addressed to our Arab population which reads as follows: The population of our Arab nation; The Anglo-American occupying forces is launching a destructive, savage and aggressive war against our people in Iraq, particularly in Falluja and Ramadi cities, killing the people and even( stones) with the aim to impose the occupation as accomplished fact. Therefore, ICATU General Secretariat expresses its full condemnation to the organized state terrorism practiced by USA. In this context, ICATU General Secretariat asks if the Arab territories are desecrated for American and Zionist invaders??!! If the Arab rights are to be bloodshed in such savage way??!! ICATU General Secretariat calls upon the international community to put an end to this savage American attack which has been launched under the pretext of: “ Fight against terror”. The goal of American policy is to dominate the international system as unipolar and dominate the Middle East region for its strategic position and oil sources to serve the American and Zionist interests. Such American policy undermines the security and stability in the region and worldwide. Meanwhile, ICATU General Secretariat has addressed many cables in this concern, to UN, UN’s Security Council and international organizations.
STATEMENTOf ICATU General Secretary on the occasion of world day forSolidarity with Arab Palestinian people
On November 29, is the anniversary of Palestine’s division where Zionist entity had been established on Palestinian territories. This day becomes a world day for solidarity with Palestinian people and their legal rights of restoration, regaining their legitimate rights to return, self determination and establishing their state with Jerusalem as its capital. On this occasion, ICATU general secretariat calls upon world governments, regional, national, popular, international and trade union organizations to strengthen their support to the rights of Palestinian people and their legitimate struggle to regain their rights adopted by international community by one side, and backwardly with Zionist entity stand which brushes aside the Palestinian legitimate rights by making terrorist, racial and hostile practices. The victory of Palestinian people issue is a victory of freedom, justice, dignity and peace values worldwide.
STATEMENTOf ICATU general secretariat on the occasionof fateful BELFOUR promiseICATU General Secretariat renews its supportto the struggle of Palestinian people
The general secretariat of ICATU has issued a statement on the occasion of fateful Belfour promise, which reads as follows: On November 2,2004, is the 87th anniversary of fateful Belfour promise which grants the right to whom doesn’t have the right. This is the fateful Belfour promise granted to Zionist movement by British colonial state to establish a state for Jews on Palestine land with the aim to laying the foundation of deviding and dominating the Arab region, monitoring its capabilities and social, economic and political developments. While ICATU general secretariat condemns this fateful promise, it burdens the great states, particularly, USA and Britain the responsibility of continuing the tragedy of Palestinian people, such as displacement, deprivation of their land and identity, their right of sel determination on their land and state. These terrorist, racial and hostile practices done by Zionist entity against Palestinian people aim to undermine even eliminate Palestinian resistance and force Palestinians to obey to Zionist dictation such as elimination of Palestine and Palestinians existence and their national and historical rights. So, ICATU general secretariat calls upon International Community, particularly, great states to assume their responsibilities, to put an end to the tragedy of Palestinian people and maintain the stability in the region by implementing the resolutions of international legitimacy and force Zionist entity to withdraw from all Arab occupied territories, from Palestine, Syrian Golan and the remaining of South Lebanon ( Shabaa farms), and enable Palestinian people to regain their rights: right of return, self determination and establishing their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. ICATU general secretariat calls upon states governments and regional, national, popular, international and trade union organization and Arab governments to support the struggle of Palestinian people to enable them to steadfast against Zionist entity, remove the siege imposed on them and restore their just and legitimate rights.
Report of ICATU 11th General CongressDamascus 18 – 21 / 12 / 2004ICATU General Secretariat has held its 11th General Congress in Syrian capital – Damascus – on 18 – 21 / 12 / 2004, under the slogan of : “ An independent Arab homeland Enjoys Freedom , Democracy and Social Justice”. The Congress presidential has been formed by brothers: Mohammad Shaaban Azzouz – President of GFTU in Syria – as Congress President, Haidar Ibrahim – President of GFTU of Palestine – as Congress vice President and Hacene Djemam – Secretary General of ICATU – as Congress reporter, with the participation of Arab trade union leaders from Syria, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria. Morocco. Libya. Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Kuwait, Sudan, Yemen, Eritrea, Mauritania and Bahrain in addition to General secretaries of Arab vocational trade unions, woman President of Arab working Woman Committee and President of Arab Working Youth committee. The congress has been attended also by representatives of Secretary General of Arab League, Dr. Ibrahim Kweder – General Director of Arab labour Organization ( ALO ), DR. Taleb Alrifai – Assistant general director of ILO, general secretaries of international trade union confederations, many leaders of friend regional and national trade union federations and representative of boards, bodies and trade unions and Arab vocational and popular organizations. In the opening ceremony many speeches have been delivered by: Mr. Soleiman Kaddah – Assistant national secretary of socialist Arab Baath party -, Dr. Ibrahim Kweder – general director of ALO-, Dr. Taleb Alrifai – representative of general director of ILO, general secretaries of international trade unions confederations, Brother Hacene Djemam - Secretary General of ICATU – and Brother Shaaban Azzouz – president of GFTU of Syria, President of the congress. After the opening ceremony, all congress members and guests have visited the Arab Institute for Laobur Studies which had been dedicated by the late Syrian President Mr. Hafez Al- Assad, where the congress members and guests have opened the photos fair of our ICATU’s activities during the period between the 10th and 11th congresses. Those photos show the activities of our ICATU and Institute. The congress has been started by congress President who presented the congress agenda containing the discussion of ICATU general secretariat activities’ reports of the period between the 10th and 11th congresses, the future orientations of ICATU, reports of Arab social and economic situations, the Arab and international trade union report, memorandums of ICATU’s general secretariat concerning the pan-Arab issues and the administrative and organizational affairs. Brother Hacene Djemam has read the general report explaining the activities of ICATU general secretariat, its future orientations and the issues which form the base of trade union interests on social, economic, political and trade union fields. During the 4 days of the congress, the general sessions and subcommittees among the congress have held and continued their works where the speeches of vocational and national Arab trade union leaders have been delivered in addition to the speeches of guests. The participants have discussed the congress agenda with full democracy and general interest which reflect the unity and diversity of participants opinions and the real desire to protect the Arab workers interests, Arab nation and international solidarity. After serious discussions, the participants have issued the following decisions and orientations: I) On Trade Union Field: 1- Ratification of ICATU general secretariat activities’reports, praising its efforts to defend the Arab workers issues and their social, economic, trade union and pan-Arab rights, its efforts to strengthen ICATU’s position on Arab and international levels, to deepen its unity independence, its efforts, to develop the work and the organization of holding its boards and constitutional committees, to strengthen the participation of affiliated members, to ratify the ICATU orientations and future plans on cultural, economic, media, labour legislations, vocational, trade unions and Arab and international relations and to confirm the importance of support offered to ICATU to enable it to hold its tasks. 2- Confirming to pursue the efforts for strengthening the trade union rights and freedoms in Arab homeland, to strengthen the efforts for forming and widening the social and economic rights of Arab workers, to defend the issues of working class against all attempts of marginalization and weaknesses, to develop the boards and activities of Arab trade union movement in order to enable it to confront the new challenges, to strengthen the role of Arab trade union movement among workers and society to be based on unity, pluralism, independence, democracy and national and pan-Arab interest. The congress expressed its consideration and estimation to the steps taken by some of Gulf states ( Saudi Arabia, Oman , Qatar and UAE ) and the establishment of GFTU in Bahrain which is welcomed as original member in ICATU. Regarding the situations in Iraq, the congress has confirmed maintaining the initiative of ICATU general secretariat which concerns the strengthening of Iraqi trade union unity. 3- Continuation the interest of working woman issues, to strengthen her participation in trade union works according to her role in production and society, to strengthen the interest of worki |