The Councils of Muslim Theologians, Friends of Al-Aqsa (UK) and Al-Aqsa Foundation of South Africa will have great pleasure in hosting a Justice in Palestine conference at Indaba Conference Centre in Fourways, Johannesburg on 20 July 2002 at 09h00.

The conference is to create awareness and show the parallels that exist in the Occupied Lands of Palestine and Apartheid South Africa as well as give insights into the historical and political understanding of the conflict.

Topics for discussion at the conference have been identified and speakers both locally and internationally including Mr G Galloway, a British Labour MP, have been invited. Herewith find brief profiles of the invited guest speakers who will attend the conference.

Brief Profiles of International Guest Speakers

Mr.George Galloway:

George Galloway is a Labour Member of Parliament for the City of Glasgow in Scotland and was first elected in 1987. He has been elected four times to the House of Commons and is now one of the more senior members. For fourteen of the last fifteen years he has been the elected Senior Vice Chairman of the Parliamentary Labour Party's Foreign Affairs Committee.

An activist in the Anti-apartheid cause for many years working closely with the London Office of the African National Congress [ANC]. As General Secretary of War on Want, was asked by the ANC to make an important visit inside South Africa at the height of the struggle. He coordinated with leading activists in Johannesburg, Cape Town, East London and Natal. He was arrested in Guguletu Township for his activities and interrogated by the regime's ‘Gestapo’.

In 1980, he arranged the twinning of his city, Dundee with he Palestinian town Nablus. Thus, Dundee City’s Hall became the first public building in any Western country to fly the Palestinian flag.

Also, in 1980 he formed the British Trades Union Friends of Palestine and became its first General Secretary.

He writes a weekly column for the Mail on Sundays, Britain's second biggest Sunday newspaper. He also contributes to the Guardian, Spectator, and the Morning Star.

He is the publisher of the Internet daily <www.orientmagazine.com> and the daily Iraq Sanctions Monitor via ISM@mariamappeal.com.

He is a frequent broadcaster, author, and public speaker. Currently holds the title "Parliamentary Debater" of the year.

Dr Azzam Tamimi:

Director of Islamic Political Thought, London. Author of several books. His articles appear regularly in the world Media and is frequently interviewd on television and radio regarding the Palestinian issue. He is Palestinian refugee residing in London. He is a visiting lecturey at Universitry of Markfield.

Canon Naim Ateek:

President, Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Centre, Jerusalem, an ecumenical centre for Palestinian Liberation Theology which seeks to make the Gospel contextually relevant. In Arabic ‘Sabeel’ means 'The Way' and also a 'Spring of Water'. Sabeel strives to develop a spirituality based on justice, peace, nonviolence, liberation and reconciliation for the different national and faith communities. Sabeel also works to promote a more accurate international awareness regarding the identity, presence, and witness of Palestinian Christians Canon Ateek, is a leading Christian theologian in Jerusalem whose views are respected by many from all schools of thought. He contributes regularly to the debate on the Palestinian issue on the world stage.

Local Guest Speakers will Include:

Mr Blade Nzimande

Anglican Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane

Mr Dullah Omar (Minister of Transport)

Mr Ronnie Kasrils (Minister of Water Affairs)

Any media agency wishing to speak to anyone of the international guest speakers can contact E.I. Bham or Anees Khan on Tel: 011 373 8000 or Fax: 011 373 8022 for arrangements.