Why we'll stay put

Jul 23 2006 By Ian Robson, The Sunday Sun

Protesters on streets

Thousands of people marched and held rallies yesterday across the UK, including in Newcastle, to demonstrate against the Israeli military action in Lebanon.

The protesters called for an end to a conflict that has already claimed hundreds of lives. The events were organised by Muslim groups and the Stop The War Coalition.

Many peace activists attacked the British and American governments for what some called their "collusion" in the violence by not calling for an immediate ceasefire.

Ahmed Sheikh Mohamed, president of the Muslim Association of Britain, said the Government was not speaking for its people. He said: "I do believe that they should speak out, and speak out loudly, that this action by Israel should be stopped."

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