Morocco & Western Sahara:

** On ‘Morocco & Western Sahara: landmines and the wall, human rights and self-determination ‘**

When: Sunday, 29th July 2007, 2.00 pm

Where: Travellers Bookstore www.travellersbookstore.com.au 294 Smith St, Collingwood, Melbourne (Melway Map 2c Ref D8)

* All Welcome * Drinks & nibbles provided *

*The speaker, Malainin Lakhal: Sought by the Moroccan occupying forces for his part in a peaceful sit-in, Malainin Lakhal decided to escape across minefields rather than face another spell in gaol. Taking refuge with 160,000 other Saharawis in camps near Tindouf in Algeria, he found he could help get the story out to the world of what is happening in the occupied territory.

*Background to the issue of Western Sahara in North-West Africa: After the Spanish colonial power withdrew in 1975, neighbouring Morocco invaded Western Sahara. In the arena of international politics, the Saharawi people seek the right to self-determination and are struggling against developing world colonialism that is backed by first world powers. At the same time the United Nations has failed to resolve the situation. The Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara continues to be one of the most significant human rights issues in Africa today. (This event is part of Malainin’s Victorian tour: 4 – 8 June & 28 July – 4 August 2007)

For further information about this event please contact Travellers Bookstore: Tel: (03) 9417 4179 Email: shop@travellersbookstore.com

Victorian tour contact: Georgia Vlassopoulos Mob: 0425 702 975 Email: awsamel@alphalink.com.au

— Australia Western Sahara Association — Working for justice for the Saharawi people —www.awsa.org.au