|
New Press Release On EsinIslam From
Palestine Liberation Organization Negotiations Office
12 June 2011 By Saab Mohamed Erakat
Dr. Erakat on the 44 years of Israeli occupation
“If the members of international community are serious
about the two-state solution they must, at the very
least, recognize the State of Palestine on the 1967
borders”
Ramallah:- Marking the 44th anniversary of the Israeli
occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem,
and the Gaza Strip, member of the PLO Executive
Committee and Chief Palestinian Negotiator Dr. Saeb
Erakat called on the international community to take
the needed steps to put an end to the prolonged
Israeli occupation, starting with the recognition of a
Palestinian State on the 1967 borders as well as
supporting the admission of Palestine as member state
in the United Nations.
“We are marking 44 years of settlement-colony
expansion. Israel’s illegal and discriminatory
policies have led to the displacement and
dispossession of our people, and are aimed at making
the establishment of a Palestinian state impossible.
Dr. Erakat added that “if the members of international
community are serious about the two-state solution
they must, at the very least, recognize the State of
Palestine on the 1967 borders. This will send a clear
message to Israel that in the 21st century, borders
are determined by international law and not by
settlement colonies that are built on land that was
acquired by force.”
Dr. Erakat explained that “while it is true that
Israel’s policies are threatening the very possibility
of the two-state solution, its efforts to undermine
the rights of the Palestinian people have failed. In
the face of nearly 50 years of unrelenting efforts by
Israel to change the geography and demography of our
land, we are still here, struggling peacefully for
justice, equality, and freedom.”
“Rather than urging the parties to negotiate, the
international community should address the reasons for
the failure of past talks, namely Israel’s decision to
choose settlement expansion over peace,” urged Dr.
Erakat. “How can we negotiate over core issues like
borders and territory while Israel continues to steal
our land?”
Dr. Erakat concluded: “When the Palestinians were
divided, Israel used our division as an excuse not to
negotiate. Now that we are united, Israel is using our
unity as a reason not to negotiate. We will not allow
our aspirations to be held hostage by Israel’s
intransigence. And so we will continue our diplomatic
effort to gain international recognition for our state
on the 1967 borders. We will use every peaceful means
available to us to achieve our rights. We hope to see
the fruits of our labor this September with the
admission into the UN of the State of Palestine.”
* Dr. Saeb Erakat one of the prominent
faces of Palestinian struggles and Chief PLO
negotiator & Fatah Central Committee member posted
this article Nov 2010 and there has been some delays
in making it available on
EsinIslam.Com.
However, following Mr. Erakat's direct contact with
EsinIslam.Com
articles of the Palestinian leader such as this can
now be assessed at this portal.
©
EsinIslam.Com
Add
Comments |