VIVA PALESTINA

19/02/2009
By Yvonne Ridley

Another good news story

As a journalist I love being first with the news so when I was handed a red hot exclusive story a few hours ago I could barely contain myself.
I already had a captive audience having just finished a live broadcast for Press TV in front of scores of members of the Viva Palestina convoy which is currently making its way through Morocco.
"Listen up everyone," I shouted as they walked towards their hotel from the car park where Press TV's outside broadcast vehicle was parked.
They turned and gathered around and then the words came tumbling out: "Ten minutes ago police released the Burnley Three without charge and they are heading our way to hook up with the convoy."
Most times I never get to see peoples' reactions to my exclusive news breaks, but this time I did and the "wow" factor was amazing.
Viva Palestina convoy members jumped up and down for joy and shouted "Allahu Akbar".
I was referring to the three men who had been arrested as part of an anti-terrorist operation which just happened to be performed on the eve of departure for the history-making convoy led by George Galloway.
Of course the so-called anti terror raid made huge headlines in the British media which had, until that moment, shown little or no interest in Viva Palestina.
I wonder if the convoy gets the same amount of newsprint and airtime devoted to this good news story to redress the balance. I doubt it.
I didn't get a chance to see George Galloway's reaction, but as the leader of the 110 vehicle British aid convoy bound for Gaza, he has now spoken of his anger at the high profile Lancashire Constabulary police action which led to the arrest of nine innocent men who set off to join the Viva Palestina convoy last Friday.
Six of the nine were released without charge some days ago and are now heading for Tunisia in three vehicles laden with humanitarian supplies for the people of Gaza.
But three more were detained in custody for almost a week before being released without charge this afternoon.
The negative publicity which the arrests attracted had a knock on effect and Viva Palestina organisers said that there was a drop of 80% in donations.
Sadly the media continues to give Viva Palestina a wide berth, with a few notable exceptions including Press TV.
This is a real shame because they've really missed out on some excellent stories including:
*Heroic convoy members saving the lives of20 Moroccan policemen after a near-fatal road crash near Fes.
*Heroic London mother-of-six battling cancer continues her mercy mission for the sake of the children of Gaza.

*History in the making as Morocco and Algeria open their land borders for the first time in nearly two decades to let the mercy convoy pass.
Of course most of those making the headlines are Muslims and as we know, the Islamophobic media in Britain prefers to write about Muslims in a negative way.
But this flawed news judgment reflects badly on them and not the Viva Palestina crew who come from all parts of Britain - they might not have been born in the UK but they are doing their adopted country proud.
* Yvonne Ridley is on board the Viva Palestina convoy with award-winning film-maker Hassan al Banna Ghani - her website is www.yvonneridley.org
http://www.vivapalestina.org/Yvonne/190209.htm
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Viva Palestina Email Alert
19.00 GMT 19 February 2009

GALLOWAY CONDEMNS LANCASHIRE POLICE ACTION OVER GAZA AID CONVOY.

EXPRESSES GRAVE CONCERN OVER DAMAGE TO COMMUNITY RELATIONS


George Galloway MP, the leader of the 110 vehicle British aid convoy currently in Morroco and bound for Gaza, this afternoon spoke of his anger at the high profile Lancashire Constabulary police action which led to the arrest of nine innocent men who were bound to join the Viva Palestina convoy last Friday.
Six of the nine were released without charge some days ago and are now heading for Tunis in three vehicles laden with humanitarian supplies for the people of Gaza.
But three more were detained in custody for almost a week before being released without charge this afternoon.
George Galloway condemned the timing of the arrests, the arrests themselves and the deliberate efforts of the police to create a story in the press the purposes of which appears to have been to discredit the aid convoy to Gaza. Viva Palestina reports that there was a drop of 80% in donations following the broadcast of the arrests and the police allegations on the BBC on Saturday afternoon.
"Nine innocent people were prevented by the police from joining our convoy with vital aid to meet the humanitarian crisis in Gaza," said George Galloway this afternoon.
"The follow up action by the police, which has apparently included the strip-searching of an Imam and his wife in their own home in Blackburn, has gravely damaged their relations with the community whose trust they need to win.
"Anyone with any sense can see that it is in everyone's interest to encourage Britain's Muslim community to engage themselves in democratic politics. That is precisely what this convoy - and the huge political, and humanitarian effort throughout Britain's often alienated Muslim communities which lies behind it - is about.
"To arrest innocent men in such a provocative and hyped operation will achieve precisely the opposite of that engagement. The timing of the operation is seen locally as an attempt to smear and intimidate the Muslim community and I must say they seem to be right.
"The arrests were clearly deliberately timed for the eve of the departure of the convoy. Photographs of the high-profile snatch on the M65 were immediately fed to the press to maximise the newsworthiness of the smear that was being perpetrated on the convoy" said Galloway.
"I am writing to the Chief Constable of Lancashire to demand an explanation and will consult Viva Palestina's lawyers with a view to seeking compensation for the real financial and public relations damage we have suffered as a result. I will also be writing to the Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, to demand action against those who seem to have abused their power and authority as a police officers to produce this really damaging outcome."
http://www.vivapalestina.org/alerts/190209.htm

20/02/2009
By Yvonne Ridley

Convoy is the real road map to peace

War-mongering politicians across the world who have used their country's superpower status and might to bully others into submitting to their demands will be watching the Viva Palestina convoy in disbelief tomorrow.

The mile-long convoy of 100 plus vehicles and 315 drivers and peace activists will drive through the border in what is supposed to be a low key event, but the significance of that small journey can not be over estimated.

Although there are still thousands of miles separating the convoy from its end game of delivering aid to Gaza, Saturday's border crossing is the one which will be recorded in the history books.

Morocco and Algeria agreed to put aside their differences to open their land border for the first time in 15 years for the sake of Palestine.

Palestine has often been described as the key which can open the door to Middle East peace, but tomorrow it will open a door in the Maghreb which has been tightly shut since 1994.

This wonderful gesture is something Condaleezza Rice failed to persuade the neighbouring countries to do - her last attempt before the departure of George W Bush was made in September.

But the peace mission and genuine humanitarian nature of the Viva Palestina convoy has melted the hearts of those on both sides of this vital land border which, when opened, will ease the passage of those carrying more than one million pounds of aid for Gaza.

Relations between the two countries have seen no significant improvement since the border closed in 1994 and in view of the severe socioeconomic and security challenges facing them and the Maghreb region at large, the cost of their antagonistic relationship has never been greater, according to some analysts.

The border was first shut as a consequence of the Sahara war, and remained closed into the eighties. In 1994, it was shut again, after a terrorist strike on a hotel in Marrakech.
Although Algiers quickly offered condolances, Rabat accused Algerian secret services had directed the attack. Crisis followed, and visas were imposed, borders shut, and thousands of Algerians tourists expelled.

Recently, however, Morocco began publicly asking Algeria to reopen the borders, which Algeria refuses to do, and, indeed, generally avoids to even comment on.

But both sides have stepped aside for their mutual love and affection for the people of Palestine and, in particular to show their solidarity to the people of Gaza.

It is an astonishing gesture and both countries are to be congratulated on this generous move.
Another fine example of when people lead, the leaders will follow. Now the big question is, will Viva Palestina's mascot and symbol make it through the crossing tomorrow? Fes mechanics are working hard as I write, to get the lead Fire Engine from Lancashire back on the road after a breakdown.

* Yvonne Ridley and film-maker Hassan al Banna Ghani are part of the Viva Palestina convoy making a documentary recording the historic journey
http://www.vivapalestina.org/Yvonne/200209.htm

تحل السبت، بمدينة مغنية بولاية تلمسان قافلة غزة التي تقودها 280 شخصية بريطانية ثقيلة، على رأسها النائب جورج قالاوي، بعد أن فتحت السلطات الجزائرية استثنائيا الحدود الجزائرية - المغربية المغلقة منذ أكثر من 15 سنة لمرور القافلة التضامنية، حيث ستكون في استقبالها وفود شعبية ورسمية يتقدمها وفد اللجنة الشعبية لنصرة غزة ووفد جريدة الشروق، بالإضافة الى حضور حاشد للصحافة الدولية بمدينة مغنية الحدودية،

*
وستتوجه القافلة المكوّنة من 100 شاحنة محملة بمختلف المساعدات لأهالي غزة إلى عنابة مرورا بعين تموشنت، ووهران والجزائر العاصمة.
*
* جورج قالاوي يطير الى لندن لظرف طارئ ليدخل الجزائر العاصمة غدا الأحد
* وأوضح "صباح المختاري" عميد المحامين العرب ونائب رئيس القافلة في اتصال أمس، مع "الشروق اليومي" أن القافلة المكوّنة من 100 شاحنة ويؤطرها أكثر من 280 شخصية بريطانيا نافذة ستتوجه من مغنية إلى مدينة تلمسان ثم إلى عين تموشنت، لتتوقف في وهران لحوالي ست ساعات من الراحة يقضيها أعضاء الوفد، إذ تسهر السلطات المحلية على راحة الوافدين، قبل أن تتوجه إلى الجزائر العاصمة يوم الأحد المقبل، ومن ثم إلى عنابة، كما أشار ذات المتحدث إلى أنه في اتصال مستمر مع السلطات الجزائرية قصد ضمان إنجاح مرور القافلة بالأراضي الجزائرية في أحسن الظروف، حيث من المفترض أن تحظى القافلة باستقبال رسمي وشعبي منقطع النظير بمختلف نقاط تجوالها قبل مغادرتها الجزائر باتجاه تونس ليلة الاثنين إلى الثلاثاء.
* من جهته، أكد عبد الحميد مهري عضو اللجنة الشعبية لدعم ونصرة فلسطين ان أوامرا صارمة صدرت من السلطات العليا للبلاد الى كل ولاة الجمهورية في الولايات التي ستعبرها قافلة غزة من أجل السهر على راحة أعضاء الوفد وتأمين عبورهم الى تونس وتمكينهم من أخذ أقساط الراحة في النقاط التي يختارونها. وهي التعليمات التي أثلجت صدور أعضاء القافلة، حيث عبر نائب رئيس القافلة صباح المختاري عن إعجابه بمدى تجاوب السلطات الجزائرية مع هذه المبادرة التضامنية وثقته في كرم الضيافة التي يمتاز به الجزائريون، مؤكدا ان القافلة في اتصال دائم مع السلطات الجزائرية. كما توجه أمس، بإتجاه مغنية، وفد عن صحيفة الشروق اليومي واللجنة الشعبية لدعم ونصرة فلسطين يتقدمهم المجاهد لخضر بورڤعة رئيس اللجنة لاستقبال القافلة، حيث أكد علي ذراع الناطق باسم اللجنة مرافقة القافلة في حلها وترحالها من دخولها إلى التراب الجزائري وإلى غاية مغادرتها للجزائر باتجاه تونس، حيث تسعى اللجنة رفقة مختلف المصالح الرسمية والمواطنين إلى تسهيل عملية تنقل القافلة وإقامتها في المدن الجزائرية.
* من جانب آخر، أشار صباح المختاري إلى أن النائب "جورج غالاوي" اضطر الى مغادرة المغرب جوا بإتجاه لندن بعد ان استدعي لطارىء وصفه المتحدث بالعادي، مؤكدا أن قالاوي سيطير من لندن الى الجزائر العاصمة غدا الاحد، ليكون في انتظار القافلة حرصا من هذا الاخير على مقاسمة الوفد عبور ولو جزء من التراب الجزائري، خاصة وان قالاوي هو صاحب فكرة القافلة وهو المعروف بمواقفه المساندة للقضايا العربية.
echourouk du 21/02/2009

C'est le moins que puisse faire l'Algérie bien sur, ayant depuis toujours soutenu la cause palestinienne.... mais ça fait quelques jours que je me demande qui dirige cette "اللجنة الشعبية لدعم ونصرة فلسطين" sans avoir eu le temps d'aller chercher plus d'infos, finalement.....



le Comité populaire de soutien au peuple palestinien est né

Djamila Bouhired s’implique pleinement dans la cause palestinienne

Solidarité avec Ghaza: le convoi humanitaire britannique en Algérie

MAGHNIA (Tlemcen) - Le convoi humanitaire "Viva Palestina", parti de Londres chargé d'aides destinées à la population de Ghaza, est arrivé samedi au poste frontalier Akid Lotfi (Maghnia) en provenance du Maroc. Un accueil des plus chaleureux a été réservé aux membres de cette caravane sur les frontières algéro-marocaines qui ont été ouvertes exceptionnellement pour permettre à cette initiative de solidarité de poursuivre un périple long de 7000 km. Accueillie notamment par le président du comité populaire de soutien à Ghaza, Lakhdar Bouragaa, outre des représentants du mouvement associatif et de la société civile, cette caravane vise d'abord, selon un organisateur, Sabah El Mokhtari, à "venir en aide à nos frères palestiniens de la bande de Ghaza qui souffrent le martyre à cause des récentes agressions israéliennes dans la région".

APS

[img][/img]

17/02/2009
Algeria and Algerians, who have always held the Palestinian cause to their heart, are waiting with great excitement for the arrival of the Gaza convoy on their soil.

The state of Palestine was 'announced' on their soil in Algiers in 1988 and Algeria's position towards the Palestinians and their legitimate rights has always been unwavering.

In fact, in Algeria, it has always been said that Algeria is 'with Palestine Guilty or not Guilty!'

Alshourouk newspaper reports that the president's special representative and Minister of State Mr A.Belkhadem, has given instructions as to the safe passage, comfort and hospitality which should be offered to the convoy from crossing its frontiers to the Tunisian borders.

Mr A.Mehri, a member of the People's Committee for the Aid to Palestine, confirmed that other vehicles may join the convoy in Algeria carrying the basic essentials and medicines to the Palestinian people.

The Algerian/Moroccan border has been closed for a number of years.The Gaza convoy will pass through, exceptionally after the Algerian authorities decision, which is in line with its historical position towards the Palestinian people.

Farid Arada
Farid is a supporters of Viva Palestina in Manchester, UK
___________________________________________________________________________________

20/02/2009 - Update

Into Algeria - a historic crossing



After another grueling journey across Morocco today,the convoy reached the border town of Oujda,10km from the Algerian borders.

After crossing the border which have been exceptionnally open for them,they will drive through the Algerian small town of Maghnia 10 kms away.

At the exit of this town,are the famous Natural spring baths of Bouguerira. Our boys and girls could do with a good soaking but the call of GAZA is a lot more important.

Then they will take the dual carriage way towards Algeria's second city ORAN bypassing the city of EIN TIMOUCHENT. If there are no major delays with customs,they may reach Oran by lunch time for a well deserve break.

It is anticipated thet they will use the MOSTAGANEM route towards the town of CHLEF which is about a 3 hour drive from Oran.

On route towards Algiers,it all depends how late and how dark it is going to be before they stop for the night.

I anticipate they will stop either in Chlef,Blida or in the outskirt of Algiers depending on delays and breakdowns.

The Algerian authorities and civil society will be assisting the convoys during its long crossing of the country and the people of Algeria will show once again that Palestine remains in their hearts and minds.

Farid Arada
Farid is a supporters of Viva Palestina in Manchester, UK
http://www.vivapalestina.org/algeria_border.htm
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22.00 GMT
Saturday 21st February
After long delays at the border, our convoy has been greeted by thousands of Algerians from the border town of Maghnia. It is not known as to the reason for the delay,but I am told that the passport checks were done at a leisurly pace in an atmosphere of friendship and brotherhood (with brass bands playing on both sides of the border). As I am writing,they are filling up their vehicles with fuel on the house, courtesy of Algeria just outside Maghnia.
[size=9]update by Farid Arada[/size]
http://www.vivapalestina.org

14.00 GMT
Sunday 22nd February
After spending the night in a caravan park, the convoy set off this morning at 08.30 towards the city of CHLEF (click map). Under police and gendarme escort,they hit some major trafic problems en route which slowed the pace down.They stopped on a couple of occasions for some rest. They are hoping to get to Chlef before dark.Then in the morning they will head for Algiers.I am told that they are bypasing the major cities to avoid congestion.
update by Farid Arada
http://www.vivapalestina.org

"Viva Palestina" bridging Moroccan, Algerian gap



19.00 GMT
Sunday 22nd February
The convoy are now filling up with fuel in the town of Chlef. Apparently an Algerian is paying the bill on this occasion while the authorities have provided food. The convoy has decided to make up some lost time by heading for Algiers this evening. The journey could take more than 3 hours.
update by Farid Arada and others
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22.30 GMT
Sunday 22nd February
It is 23.30pm in Algeria and the convoy is still rolling towards Algiers.They are about an hour away.It does look like another night in the vehicles. They report being exhausted and could do with a good night's rest.

http://www.vivapalestina.org

"الكرم الجزائري أشرق علينا من غربها" وكرم سكان الغرب المضياف بعث في نفوس كل أعضاء القافلة راحة نفسية لا مثيل لها، كنا نتوقع ذلك والحمد لله، لان الالتفاتة زادتنا إصرارا على الوصول بالمساعدات إلى غزة في أقرب وقت، لننقل لهم أجواء التضامن الإنساني الذي نحظى به من خلال الاهتمام بقافلتنا".

• كانت هذه بعض انطباعات قائد القافلة بالنيابة صباح المختاري بعد معايشتهم للجزائريين خلال المرحلة الأولى للرحلة.
  

قائد القافلة للشروق: كرم الجزائر أشرق علينا من غربها
<LI>رافقت الشروق اليومي قافلة التضامن البريطانية منذ عبورها الحدود الجزائرية المغربية الى مدينة مغنية، حيث قضت ليلتها هناك في أحد المرافق للراحة، لتنطلق صباح امس، على الساعة السابعة صباحا وكل أعضائها متحمسون لإكمال الرحلة بعد ان أخذوا قسطا كافيا من الراحة والاستجمام.
<LI>القافلة لم تدخل الى مدينة وهران وفضل قائدها - حسب تصريحه للشروق اليومي - السير دون توقف في عاصمة الغرب تفاديا لازدحام حركة المرور، الا ان مرور الموكب بالدوائر المجاورة مكن سكان تلك المناطق من إلقاء التحية على أعضاء القافلة وشكرهم على المبادرة.

<LI>هذا وتوقفت القافلة التي تحظى بحراسة أمنية كبيرة ساعدتها في توضيح معالم الطرقات وتسهيل عملية المرور بين ولايتي وهران ومستغانم، حيث زودتها السلطات المحلية بأطباق غذائية متوازنة ما بين السلاطة والطبق الرئيسي بالدجاج والفواكه وهي المعطيات والتفاصيل التي أصر قائد القافلة حاليا صباح المختار ذكرها للاستشهاد على كرم ضيافة الغرب الجزائري.

<LI>فضلت الشروق اليومي استطلاع التحضيرات في مناطق عبور القافلة لتتفاجأ بحركة غير عادية منذ عبورها غليزان الى مدينة الشلف، حيث يستغرق جمع كبير من العمال في عملية تزفيت الطرقات ودهنها.

<LI>من جهتهم، عناصر الامن والدرك الوطني بذلوا جهدهم في مساعدة المواطنين على تغيير بعض الوجهات عبر طرق موازية في إطار تسهيل مرور الشاحنات وتفادي الوقوع في ازدحام.

<LI>نزلت الشروق الى الشارع في وادي جمعة، حيث وجدت المواطنين مصطفين على الارصفة لتحية موكب القافلة، تقربنا من صاحب مقهى، فأكد ان عددا من المواطنين ترددوا عليه منذ الصباح يسألون عن مرور القافلة.

<LI>وأضاف.. "منهم من يدخل الى بيته ثم يخرج بسرعة خوفا من التخلف عن الموعد".

<LI>بائع خضر من جهته، أكد انه جلب معه ابنيه الصغيرين للتمتع بالمنظر، رغم ان خط سير القافلة غير محدد ورغم ان الطريق الى الشلف يمكن ان يكون عبر عدة مسالك، الا ان الامل كان يملأ نفوس المواطنين لمشاهدة قافلة التضامن مع غزة.

<LI>مدينة الشلف هي الاخرى وبمجرد دخولها على الساعة الواحدة كانت قد استيقظت متأهبة هي الاخرى لتوفير الجو الملائم لاستقبال زوار الجزائر من بريطانيا.
</LI>
http://www.echoroukonline.com/ara/divers/33233.html

اللجنة الشعبية تتخذ كل الترتيبات لضمان راحة أعضاء الوفد بزرالدة وتيبازة


قافلة غزة في ضيافة الشروق



تتواجد قافلة غزة التضامنية في ضيافة جريدة الشروق واللجنة الشعبية لنصرة غزة، حيث أخذت اللجنة على عاتقها ترتيب كل إجراءات الراحة للقافلة وأعضائها، من خلال حجوزات تليق بمقام الوافدين بكل من زرالدة وتيبازة تسمح لهم بأخذ قسم من الراحة قبل استئناف رحلتهم باتجاه غزة، مرورا بعنابة وتونس وليبيا.

• وقد حل مساء الاحد، النائب البريطاني جورج ڤالاوي بالجزائر العاصمة قادما من العاصمة البريطانية لندن، ليستأنف قيادته للقافلة إلى غزة، وقد حظي النائب الشهير بمواقفه المناصرة للقضايا العربية والإسلامية باستقبال اللجنة الشعبية لنصرة غزة وكذا طاقم الشروق اليومي الذي حرص على استقبال الوافدين تضامنا مع غزة، خاصة وأن الشروق قد تبنت منذ اليوم الأول للعدوان على غزة كل مشاريع التضامن مع الشعب الفلسطيني، من خلال الدعم المادي والمعنوي.
  
• وكانت قافلة غزة قد دخلت الحدود الجزائرية قبل يومين قادمة من وجدة المغربية، حيث فتحت الجزائر حدودها للمتضامنين مع غزة، لتحط القافلة رحالها للمبيت بولاية عين تموشنت، وقد حظيت خلال طول فترة تواجدها على الأراضي الجزائرية وعلى طول خط سيرها من مغنية إلى العاصمة بكل التسهيلات التي تعكس روح التضامن الكبيرة للجزائر حكومة وشعبا مع القضية الفلسطينية وتحديدا مع شعب غزة الجريح، حتى أن جموع المواطنين استقبلت الوافدين بالدموع والتفوا حولهم تلقائيا ليعبّروا عن مدى تضامنهم.
  
• هذا وكانت القافلة قد شقت طريقها منذ أمس من عين تيموشنت إلى العاصمة لتجد في استقبالها وفد اللجنة الشعبية لمناصرة وإغاثة غزة برئاسة المجاهد لخضر بورڤعة وكذا المجاهدة جميلة بوحيرد والأستاذ عبد الحميد مهري، إلى جانب عشرات المواطنين. وينتظر ان يكون للقافلة برنامج ثري بالعاصمة من خلال بعض الوقفات التضامنية واللقاءات مع الشخصيات والتنظيمات.
  
• وحسب القائمين على هذه المبادرة، فإن القافلة منذ دخولها التراب الجزائري لم تصادف أي مشكلة. وبمساهمة الشروق المادية والمعنوية تم توفير كل الظروف الملائمة للتكفل بأفراد القافلة البالغ عددهم 300 شخص، حيث سيقيمون لمدة يوم ونصف اليوم ثم يشدون الرحال إلى ولاية عنابة، ليدخلوا بعدها التراب إلى التونسي.
  
• للإشارة تضم القافلة الإنسانية التي يقودها ڤالاوي 100 شاحنة وتؤطرها أكثر من 280 شخصية نافذة، انطلقت من الأراضي البريطانية ومرت عبر اسبانيا، المغرب، الجزائر، تونس، ليبيا، مصر لتدخل قطاع غزة عبر معبر رفح. وكان ڤالاوي أطلق هذه المبادرة ليعبر عن تضامنه مع غزة.
  

http://www.echoroukonline.com/ara/divers/33230.html

Voici une photo prise ce matin à zeralda au camp de l'ANALJ, ou une partie de la caravane est installée.

Day 10 - Still in Algeria
February 23rd, 2009

15:00 - Text update from Imran (Rochdale crew)

The convoy got to Chlef at about 21:00 last night, ahead of schedule. With Algiers only another 3 hours drive away, the convoy agreed to drive on, thinking that even if they stop driving at midnight the drivers would still have sufficient sleep time. The journey however took longer than expected, and the convoy arrived in Algiers at 02:30. The drivers had a well deserved lie in today and will continue on their shortly.

http://gazaconvoy.com/

================
17.00 GMT
Monday 23rd February

I have just spoken to the reporter from the Elchourouk daily who has been with the convoy since it crossed the borders, in addition to speaking to our lads.

After yesterday's long drive,the group arrived early this morning near Algiers. (click image for map) The group was split in two, one going to Tipaza and the other one going to Zeralda.

Both coastal locations are famous for their beauty, historical and tourist attractions and facilities. I remember spending a holiday as a teenager in Zeralda which I will not forget.

They were put up in hotels and the food apparently is yum yum. Then they were taken this afternoon to the historical roman ruins of Tipaza and shown around by tourist guides.

George rejoined the convoy today and sorted out some 'organisational issues'. He also met with some great historical figures from the Algerian revolution such as Jamila Bouhired. He was also met by the Palestinian ambassador in Algeria and the foreign minister.

I could sense from the voices of our lads (can't get hold of the ladies), that they have never experienced anything like this before, they cannot rest with all the jubilation, support and friendship shown by the Algerian people. They seemed a lot more relaxed today ready for their departure tomorrow heading for the border towns of Annaba or Tebessa.
update by Farid Arada and others

récap du Samedi :

Citation :

How a negative can turn into a positive…..
February 22nd, 2009

Saturday, 21st February 2009

Initial reports showed the Algerian authorities were somewhat stalling the convoy at the border, and indeed this was the case. however I have just learnt that after all the comotion, delays and checks, the convoy crossed the border and the Algerian authorities have provided fuel to fill up the vehicles. Im sure if the likes of Shell, BP or Esso advertised that they would provide free fuel for any cars that came through their stations for 1 day, hundreds of us would gladly queue, many throughout the night to benefit from a full tank of fuel, on the house.

In this instance we are talking about free fuel for not one but many vehicles all on the house courtesy of Algeria just outside Maghnia!

It just goes to show, some things that start off negative can lead to a positve outcome…..

*****News Flash*****

00:25 (GMT) - Text update from the A Team

“Salaam we went through centre and hundreds of people here, it was amazing as its somthing we have never seen before. There were hundreds of people on the streets cheering. We were on the roof of our van, hanging off the back ladder with Mudasir tannoy. It was top, even the police are cheering ‘Allah Hu Akbar’. The youths, kids and men were hugging us…a 15yr old boy told me that even the muslims who drink came on the street to shout ‘Allah Hu Akbar’ and they make dua for us everyday to succeed.
We have come to a caravan site to sleep now”

Merci Medagan pour les photos de Zeralda, parce qu'il m'a été personnellement très difficile d'avoir des infos ce matin sur le lieu de leur halte... Heureusement qu'il y avait une chaine (autant que celle créée par le convoi) d'information.... le plus difficile a été de joindre un membre du "Comité populaire de soutien et de solidarité avec la Palestine"... ni adresse, ni numéro de téléphone, encore moins un site web ou une adresse mail...

C'est en milieu d'après-midi seulement qu'on a enfin pu savoir où exactement était installé le convoi et qu'il était encore là pour la nuit... à Tipaza!

On est arrivés à Tipaza vers 18h... il n y avait plus personne (des officieles qui étaient apparemment là avant, n'est-ce pas Kimz?)... ils étaient seuls et paraissaient abandonnés dans une impasse en haut de Tipasa, ça paraissait triste.... Juste une impression parce que les gens qui font ce voyage sont très sympathiques... ils étaient très contents de nous voir... et nous aussi .... ici, juste quelques photos avec quelques uns d'entre eux ..... Ils partent demain matin très tot à 4h du matin d'après ce qu'on en a appris, direction la frontière Est!

Finalement, je n'arrive pas à poster les photos, peut etre demain inchallah....

Finalement, ils ont posté les photos que je leur ai envoyé, et moi ça me facilite la tâche....
Merci VIVA PALESTINA !!!
http://www.vivapalestina.org/galleries/Tipasa_230209.htm

j'ai croise la caravane aujourd'hui et j'ai pris des photos avec mon mobile...
je vais les poster tta l'heur...

N'oublie pas Chemseddine d'envoyer à VIVA PALESTINA pour qu'ils le postent sur leur site... ou du moins pour qu'ils l'archivent aussi à leur niveau... Et nous on veut des détails en plus de la vidéo...

15.00 (GMT) Tuesday 24th February 2009
The convoy has stopped for fuel (free on the Algerian government) in BOUIRA. They are waiting for some vehicles to catch up. Some have stopped for rest and prayers. The convoy will try to get to Constantine in Algeria.

I have fond memories of this town because that's where I graduated. Belkacem Adjadj, a reporter from Elchorouk daily who is with the convoy tells me that they are now 9km from Borj Bouareridj, a small town near Setif.

He also tells me that arrangements have been made to receive the convoy in the town of Constantine this evening - where all the facilities have been prepared to make their stay confortable and enjoyable. The journey will take a possible 3 to 4 hours. The crossing into Tunisia will be on Thursday.

Asia Chalabi, also from the same daily newspaper has promised to email me photographs from yesterday and today's journeys.

Update by Farid Arada

http://www.vivapalestina.org/