"We have acted against the university because of its financial and commercial links to the apartheid state of Israel, in addition to its unacceptable silence in response to the Gaza conflict"

Edinburgh University students ocupy the George Square Lecture Theatre

From: Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign secretary@scottishpsc.org.uk>

Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:33:56 -000

Statement from the occupying students

On the morning of Wednesday 11thFebruary Edinburgh University students ocupied the George Square Lecture Theatre. We have acted against the university because of its financial and commercial links to the apartheid state of Israel, in addition to its unacceptable silence in response to the Gaza conflict, described by the UN President of the General Assembly, Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann, as …³genocide…². We will sit-in until the heads of the university agree to the following demands:

Broadly, we demand that our university demonstrate what should be it inherent opposition, as aneducational institution, to Israel's illegal and shameful behaviours.

Specifically, to ensure the university publicly manifests its position, we demand:

1. BOYCOTT …­ That the university immediately suspend all contracts an relations with companies enabling the conflict and/or ocupation, including Eden Springs. This demand is contingent on access to information to establish which other companies are implicated.

2. DIVESTMENT …­ That the university divest from andcut all links …­specifically on-campus recruitment …­ withBAE Systems, QinetiQ and all other …³arms and defence…² manufacturers whose products are proven to be in use by the Israeli military.

3. SCHOLARSHIPS …­ That the university make full scholarships available to at least 5 students inGaza, allowing them to attend Edinburgh University. This is a response to the destruction of their universities by the Israeli military, and to other barriers, physical and psychological, which restrict their right to education.

read full statement:

http://www.scottishpsc.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2