Wednesday 28 January 2009

Sussex occupation declares victory!

At half past nine last night, an agreement was reached with the university management, ending negotiations and the occupation. We thank everybody who has contributed towards our success in achieving our demands. A rally will be held at 1pm today in library square.


Press release : SUSSEX OCCUPATION DECLARES VICTORY !

Exactly one week after the beginning of our occupation, almost to the minute, Sussex occupation announces victory. As we celebrate we reaffirm our absolute commitment to the people of Palestine and their continued struggle.

We are glad that we were able to come to a mutual agreement with the university management that will ensure practical support for the people of Palestine. We have experienced significant pressure from management from the outset, culminating in their withdrawal from negotiations at 9 am this morning after our proposed minor clarifications to the final agreement - intended to ensure full commitment to the support of the Palestinian cause - were rejected. After close consideration, we have decided to accept the management’s assurances that these resolutions will be carried out in the full spirit of our occupation and its causes, and we look forward to working in partnership with university management in their implementation.

We are hugely grateful for all of the support that we have received from the wider university community. The 1293 signatures in support of our demands, as well as the countless inspiring personal messages, e-mails, phone calls and donations that we received over the course of the week showed to us the strength of feeling behind us. We also give huge thanks to the university security staff, who have been tremendously considerate and supportive throughout, and we are proud to have them as part of our university.

We are proud to be part of a growing national movement. Students across the country are reasserting their politcal strength, through peaceful and direct action. We are confident that in reclaiming our universities we are reviving the role of educational institutions in effecting
local and international social change.

As this movement has developed a genuine community has been created, of people from disparate groups, both political and social, united by a common cause. This is only the start. We will see this through and continue our campaign for the liberation of the Palestinian people.

In solidarity,

The Sussex Occupation.

5 comments:

  1. http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/f/flaming_lips/free_radicals.html

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  2. Your post reminds me of a previously announced hollow victory:

    "Hamas declares victory in Gaza"
    - By Damien McElroy in Jerusalem, 19 Jan 2009

    "Hamas has declared victory over Israel claiming it lost just 48 fighters during the 22-day onslaught in Gaza.

    A masked gunman from the Islamic group's armed wing vowed the groups would rearm as its leaders proclaimed it had achieved a holy victory in the confrontation.
    "We announce to our people the martyrdom of 48 Qassam fighters," Abu Obeida, spokesman for the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades said.
    The frontman, whose face was wrapped in an Arab Keffiyah scarf, dismissed Israeli attempts to stop weapons smuggling into Gaza, a declared aim of the war.
    "Do whatever you want. Manufacturing the holy weapons is our mission and we know how to acquire weapons," he said.
    Israeli officials have estimated that up to 500 Hamas members were killed during Operation Cast Lead."

    SOURCE: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/4288511/Hamas-declares-victory-in-Gaza-claiming-it-lost-only-48-fighters.html

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  3. localguy, without sounding patronising, you seem to have drawn a parallel between a group of peaceful protesters and an armed militia, you have also elsewhere on this site, told a sociology lecturer at Sussex University, that she is full of "twaddle".

    I would say that you should do your research on people, situations and don't come on the internet to vent. I encourage you to talk to someone from the occupation about your issues with how they describe our campus or how they define victory. Please come to a talk being held today in Mandela Hall on the situation in Gaza by Jeremy Corbyn MP.

    -Sol

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  4. the talk will start at 5pm tonight.

    please be respectful to people you dont know.

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  5. You are a great group
    And good friends of the Palestinian people

    ReplyDelete