Date:23/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/23/stories/2008012355951200.htm

National

Centre collaborating with Israel: CPI (M)

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Tuesday charged the United Progressive Alliance government with “collaborating” with Israel and aiding Tel Aviv’s military efforts by launching a spy satellite for that country from Sriharikota on Monday.

“Criminal” blockade

The party’s Polit Bureau also criticised the government for “maintaining a shameful silence” over the Israel’s “criminal” blockade of Gaza Strip.

“It is, instead, collaborating with Tel Aviv to enhance that country’s military capability by launching Israeli satellite Tecsar, which has the capability to track activities in Iran and the region,” the Polit Bureau said in a statement.

“The UPA government should demand an end to the blockade of the Gaza strip forthwith. It should call for an urgent Security Council session to discuss the matter,” it said.

The blockade violated “all international and humanitarian norms. Israel was treating 1.5 million people of the Gaza Strip worse than a colonial power,” the party said.

“The United Nations should immediately intervene and take steps to penalise Israel and see that the blockade is lifted,” the statement added.