The convoy was over 3 miles long and contained about 220 vehicles. So it was an awesome sight when finally, at about 1.00pm local time, the first vehicles rolled into Egypt, where they were met at the borders by officials and a jubilant crowd. The Egyptians organised the convoy into smaller groups and set off towards the town of SALUM, their first stop. The convoy was handled with military precision by the army and the police. I am told and everyone was relieved at the speed of the crossing.
In Salum they were met by children, who handed them flowers, and they were warmly welcomed by the people. Then they were taken to a huge tent where a press conference was held and a reception ceremony took place.
Lunch was on the menu, before being whisked away to continue their journey towards the beautiful coastal town of MATRUH. A lavish reception awaits them in this picturesque part of Egypt where they are expected to enjoy the sea breeze after experiencing the beauty and quietness of the desert.
Overall, a good start to the final leg of the journey. Gaza is getting ever so close and the mission is close to being accomplished.
The Gaddafi Foundation for Charity and Development sent a message to Viva Palestina expressing its sorrow and offering its condolences for the family of the deceased Journalist Souad Abu Shiba and wish a quick recovery for her colleagues Ibrahim Hania, and the photographer Salah Nejm after the tragic car accident which occurred yesterday.
Prepared and translated by Farid Arada
TRAGEDY SO NEAR TO THE END - Convoy Update 20.00 (GMT) Wednesday 4rd March 2009
This afternoon, a Libyan female journalist on her way to join our convoy, was involved, along with her colleague and a photographer in a road traffic accident, which unfortunately resulted in her death. Her two colleagues were also injured ain the crash, but the extent of their injuries is still unknown.
The leader of the Manchester contingent Talat Ali and Rabah Abdulramuz would like, on behalf of the Viva Palestina British convoy, to pass on their condolences and prayers to the families of the young lady and a speedy recovery for the injured.
They would like to reassure the families back home that all of the British members are safe. However, understandably the mood is very sombre this evening and a Janaza (funeral ceremony) prayer has been organised by the convoy members this evening.
The Convoy are now about 20km from the border with Egypt. The Egyptian government has taken charge of the arrangements to ensure a smooth and comfortable crossing of Egypt by Viva Palestina tomorrow morning.
An official delegate from The National Party is in the border area preparing the welcome. He has informed the leaders of the route they will be taking and of the program of events awaiting them.
What follows is a brief summary, translated from the Arabic program.
Thursday: 05-03-09
Stop at SALUM - Rest-Dinner- Press conference
4pm Leave for MATRUH- Evening meal- Overnight Stay
Friday: 06-03-09
9am Leave for ALAMEIN
12pm Dinner, Stop for special Jumaa (Friday prayers)
3pm RAFED MIAMI- Light lunch
8pm JAMSSA
10pm The Arab Contractors Village -Dinner and overnight stay
Saturday: 07-03-09
10am Short press conference
2pm Rest at EAST AL SALAM BRIDGE- Dinner
4pm Set off for EL ARICH
7pm Dinner and overnight stay
Sunday: 08-03-09
10am Public Rally at EL ARICH
11am head for RAFAH CROSSING
12 noon deliver aid to GAZA.
Prepared and translated by Farid Arada
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