[GPCA Updates] URGENT ADVISORY: Green Party Presidential Candidate Safe After Israel Rams Humanitarian Ship

[Green Party of California Updates]

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           News Advisory
   THE GREEN PARTY OF CALIFORNIA
         www.cagreens.org


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, December 30, 2008


California Green/presidential candidate/former
member of Congress Cynthia McKinney safe after
Israeli gunboat rams humanitarian aid ship headed to Gaza

SACRAMENTO – The Green Party's 2008 presidential candidate – former Rep.
Cynthia McKinney, who resides in Berkeley – was reported safe after an
Israeli gunboat rammed and severely damaged a humanitarian aid ship headed
to the Gaza with medical supplies.

The Green Party of California released a statement Tuesday condemning the
attack on McKinney's boat – which held more than three tons of medical
supplies – and called for Israel, and other parties, to cease attacks in
Gaza and search for a peaceful solution.

"What we have gone through pales in comparison to what the people of the
Gaza Strip are suffering," said Ms. McKinney in an interview with CNN 
after the incident.

McKinney joined the Free Gaza Group (www.freegaza.org) and was on board 
the SS Dignity when it sailed from Cyprus to Gaza in defiance of the 
Israeli blockade. A Israeli gunboat illegally rammed the SS Dignity in
international waters, 90 miles off the Gaza coast, without warning. The SS
Dignity suffered significant damage and limped into a Lebanon port for
repairs with no reported injuries.

McKinney – who is challenging President-elect Barack Obama to condemn
Israel's attacks on Gaza – is a six-term Democratic Party Congresswoman 
who won the Green Party nomination for President after California Greens 
began a draft Cynthia campaign.

"We deplore the violence in Gaza, and we condemn the attacks on civilians,
including those who, like Cynthia McKinney, are only attempting to help
people. We urge an immediate cease-fire, and an end to the Israeli 
blockade that endangers humanitarian efforts. We urge Ms. McKinney to 
continue her efforts at peace, and wish her safe passage," said the Green 
Party of California.