WATCH - Protest against bombing in Syria held in Derry

The Derry Anti-War Coalition held a protest against the bombing of Syria in the Diamond on Wednesday night,
People Before Profit MLA for Foyle, Eamonn McCann, pictured speaking at the Derry Anti War Coalition rally. (Photo: Gerry Temple)People Before Profit MLA for Foyle, Eamonn McCann, pictured speaking at the Derry Anti War Coalition rally. (Photo: Gerry Temple)
People Before Profit MLA for Foyle, Eamonn McCann, pictured speaking at the Derry Anti War Coalition rally. (Photo: Gerry Temple)

More than 100 people attended the event which included speeches from People Before Profit MLA, Eamonn McCann and Chairperson of Sinn Fein Youth, Caolán McGinley.

Speaking at a rally Caolán called for an end to the bombing and humanitarian crisis, against the use of Belfast International Airport for US Military, supporting Kurdish right to nationhood and opposed British army recruitment.

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“What is unfolding in Syria is a humanitarian disaster. In one week alone 376 people were killed, half of them were children, some 1266 were injured and many hospitals were destroyed.

People Before Profit MLA for Foyle, Eamonn McCann, pictured speaking at the Derry Anti War Coalition rally. (Photo: Gerry Temple)People Before Profit MLA for Foyle, Eamonn McCann, pictured speaking at the Derry Anti War Coalition rally. (Photo: Gerry Temple)
People Before Profit MLA for Foyle, Eamonn McCann, pictured speaking at the Derry Anti War Coalition rally. (Photo: Gerry Temple)

“Civilians are besieged, under full military encirclement, without humanitarian supplies, without freedom to leave areas like Aleppo.

“If we can learn anything from our peace process here in Ireland and I am not for one minute equating the conflicts as every conflict is different, it is that there should be inclusive dialogue.”

Caolán went on to praise the brave and selfless workers of aid workers making a difference in Syria.

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“All sides need to bear responsibility for their actions, hostilities need to be brought to an immediate end and all sides need to recognise the ceasefire.

People Before Profit MLA for Foyle, Eamonn McCann, pictured speaking at the Derry Anti War Coalition rally. (Photo: Gerry Temple)People Before Profit MLA for Foyle, Eamonn McCann, pictured speaking at the Derry Anti War Coalition rally. (Photo: Gerry Temple)
People Before Profit MLA for Foyle, Eamonn McCann, pictured speaking at the Derry Anti War Coalition rally. (Photo: Gerry Temple)

“I would like to pay tribute to the international aid workers who are trying to do everything they can to get badly needed supplies into worst hit areas and save lives.“

It is important that this urgent humanitarian aid gets to the people who are suffering in this terrible war.”

He added: “Questions must be answered by Belfast International Airport as to the purpose of these now regular flights.

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“Given the on-going humanitarian crises in Syria and throughout the Middle East and the role of the US Airforce as a protagonist in these conflicts, it is essential that local airspace is not being misused to facilitate and exacerbate these terrible events.”

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