VIVA PALESTINA URGING EGYPTIAN GOVT TO ALLOW CONVOY TO LEAVE LATTAKIA

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- Viva Palestina Malaysia Tuesday urged the
Egyptian government to allow the humanitarian convoy to Gaza which has been
stranded in Lattakia, Syria for nine days since Oct 3, to enter El-Arish port as
soon as possible.

Its deputy chairman Siti Jamilah Sheikh Abdullah said the convoy comprised
143 vehicles laden with medical aid and educational materials, and 400
volunteers heading to Gaza.

She said the convoy which was expected to arrive in Gaza on Oct 10, was
still awaiting Egypt's decision whether the convoy could set sail from Lattakia
and enter El-Arish port (in north Sinai, Egypt).

"The longer they are stranded (in Lattakia), the higher will be the cost
incurred," she told reporters at the Parliament lobby, here, Tuesday.

Siti Jamilah had earlier Tuesday handed a letter of appeal for the Egyptian
government to allow the convoy to leave Lattakia, through Foreign Minister
Anifah Aman.


A copy of the letter was handed to Tamer G. El-Mawaziny, deputy head of
mission, Egyptian embassy here, Monday.

Siti Jamilah said among the reasons for the convoy to be stranded was
security factor.

Viva Palestina's fifth land convoy under the banner, "A Global Lifeline to
Gaza", is an international convoy from more than 30 countries. The participating
volunteers include 14 Malaysians.

The Malaysian volunteers are accompanying aid donated by Malaysian
individuals and organisations which were loaded into six vehicles.

-- BERNAMA