Nelson Campaign Launched in the US Via NY Transfer News Collective * All the News that Doesn't Fit 1. Campaign Launched in the United States 2. Honorary Degree Ceremony for Rosemary Nelson 3. Address by Paul Nelson at Seton Hall University ROSEMARY NELSON CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED IN THE UNITED STATES NEW YORK, Tuesday May 25 Monday May 24th, on his last evening in New York, Paul Nelson attended the United States launching of the Rosemary Nelson Justice Campaign. He told a packed audience of judges, lawyers and human rights workers that, although an English policeman is in charge of investigating his wifes death, RUC officers have been left to investigate whether there was collusion between any RUC members and the loyalist group which claimed responsibility for planting the bomb that killed Rosemary. +Given the mind-set of hostility displayed by the RUC towards Rosemary,; he said, +I could never accept the findings of any RUC investigation into her death.; Noting that the family of human rights lawyer Pat Finucane is still waiting for a fully independent investigation and inquiry, Mr. Nelson said: +I dont want to put my family through that. I am not prepared to wait ten years.; +Rosemary Nelson was only fighting for equality - equality at all levels,; he said. +The enormous number of condolences we have received from members of both communities has surprised some people who had no idea how wide-ranging her practice was. She was accepted as working for everyone, regardless of political or religious belief. It was only because of two or three high profile cases that the RUC and others tried to attack her reputation.; New York human rights lawyer Richard Harvey, the US spokesperson for the Rosemary Nelson Campaign, launched the campaign with the announcement that June 15th has been designated an International Day of Action for Justice for Rosemary Nelson. Among other activities, human rights groups will deliver petitions and bar association resolutions to British and Irish diplomatic missions in the US, calling for the Campaigns two demands: the appointment of an international, fully independent investigation into the killing; to be followed by an independent international inquiry into all the circumstances that surrounded the killing. +We dont just want to know who planted the bomb,; said Mr. Harvey, +Rosemarys family has the right to know who planted the idea in the minds of the bombers that it was OK to assassinate the only lawyer who was prepared to defend the Lurgan/Portadown community against sectarianism.; ************************************************************** HONORARY DEGREE CEREMONY FOR ROSEMARY NELSON NEW YORK, May 25 Rosemary Nelson was awarded an honorary doctorate on Monday May 24th by Seton Hall University in New Jersey. United States Congressman Donald Payne, presenting the universitys first-ever posthumous degree to Rosemarys husband Paul Nelson, recalled meeting the human rights lawyer several times, both in Northern Ireland and Washington. He described her as +a consummate professional, dedicated to the cause of justice and committed to the universal enjoyment of human rights.; Paul Nelson, watched by the couples three children, Gavin (14), Christopher (12) and Sarah (8) and by Rosemarys sister Bernadette, brother-in-law Bernard and niece Maeve (8), told the 10,000 audience members, +my children and I have been deeply moved by the concern shown throughout the world since her death and we feel very proud when a university with the reputation of Seton Hall bestows such an honour. It brings comfort that Rosemarys life and work have not been forgotten.; +Justice and truth will never return their mother to our children,; said Mr. Nelson, +but it is our hope that all those involved in her murder will face the legal consequences of their actions. An independent investigation is therefore required; ***************************************************** ADDRESS BY PAUL NELSON AT SETON HALL UNIVERSITY GRADUATION CEREMONY MAY 24 1999. I would like to thank all at Seton Hall University, especially its President, Monsignor Sheeran, for bestowing this great honour on Rosemary and our family, and for the moving citation ready by Congressman Payne. My children and I have been deeply moved by the concern shown throughout the world since her death and we feel very proud when a university with the reputation of Seton Hall bestows such an honour. It brings comfort that Rosemarys life and work have not been forgotten. I accept this award on behalf of Gavin, Christopher and Sarah and Rosemarys family who are represented here today by her sister Bernadette, brother-in-law Bernard and niece Maeve. In honouring Rosemary, it is your hope and ours that her voice will continue to be heard. She represented all those seeking her help regardless of religious or political belief and to quote from words spoken by Rosemary at the United States Congress: +I believe that my role as a lawyer in defending the rights of others is vital. The test of a new society in Northern Ireland will be the extent to which it can recognise and respect that role and enable me to discharge it without improper interference. I look forward to that day.; Justice and truth will never return their mother to our children, but it is our hope that all those involved in her murder face the legal consequences of their actions and an independent investigation is therefore required. Finally, I would like to express my deep gratitude to you at Seton Hall for the wonderful opportunity you gave to our family to attend here today, memories of which will remain with us forever. ------------------------------------------------------------------ For more information contact: ROSEMARY NELSON CAMPAIGN http://www.RosemaryNelson.Campaign.com http://www.free-eire.org/nelson.html ------------------------------------------------------------------ ================================================================= NY Transfer News Collective * A Service of Blythe Systems Since 1985 - Information for the Rest of Us 339 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10012 http://www.blythe.org e-mail: nyt@blythe.org ================================================================= nytire-05.26.99-13:21:40-16758