SA Muslims mark Ramadan voicing solidarity with Iraqis, Pals

By: Nabil Raza

CAPE TOWN, South Africa: Muslims in South Africa marked the start of the holy month of Ramadan with marches on Saturday to express solidarity with Palestinians and Iraqis.

They protested a visit next week by Israeli Vice Prime Minister Ehud Olmert who is due to discuss strengthening economic ties with South Africa.

“Suddenly economics is more important than human suffering,” said Mandla Sishi of the Palestinian Solidarity Group, which helped organize a demonstration in Cape Town. Marchers also gathered in two other main cities of Durban and Johannesburg.

Speaking to a crowd of about 500 people gathered outside the District Six mosque at the foot of Table Mountain, Sishi told: “We call on our government to cease negotiations with Israel. Impose sanctions on Israel now.”

Marchers waved placards reading, “Death to Israel,” “Sharon the butcher” and “Stop the holocaust in Palestine.”

Protest leaders also delivered a letter of demands to the regional government in the Western Cape Province. The letter called on South Africa to cancel Olmert's visit and make efforts to isolate Israel internationally, including by severing diplomatic links and imposing sanctions.

Regional Premier Ebrahim Rasool said he would forward the protesters' letter to the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

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