Gość: Alef
IP: *.cm-upc.chello.se
28.10.01, 01:44
In the plenary session held yesterday, the PLC strongly condemned all forms????
of "terror" and "state terror" exercised by the Israeli government through its
policy of assassinating Palestinian activists. In an innovative use of
technology to subvert the Israeli closure, Members in Gaza and Ramallah used
video conferencing to conduct the session.
The PLC also lauded the statements made by US President George Bush about the
establishment of the Palestinian state and called for an official initiative to
implement his statements that would alleviate the injustice being done to the
Palestinian people and reinstate their legitimate rights.
The session started with the observance of a minute's silence and prayer for
the souls of the Intifada martyrs???, including the Popular Front for the
Liberation of Palestine leader???, Abu 'Ali Mustafa, assassinated by Israel.
PLC Speaker Ahmad Qurei' emphasized the sensitivity and gravity of the events
taking place in the Palestinian territories in light of the changes and new
developments on the international arena. He also condemned the recent
assassination of a Hamas activist, stating that the imprudent Israeli policy
would return the area to chaos. The Speaker affirmed that the Palestinian
leadership had dealt intelligently and positively with the changes on the
international arena and asked the Council to support the leadership's policy,
pointing out the international consensus on the Mitchell and Tenet documents.
He added that these documents constitute a test to the Israeli government????,
especially with respect to stopping the settlement activity and aggression.
On behalf of the Government, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Nabil 'Amr read
a special statement dealing with the domestic situation. He pointed out the
importance of President Arafat's meetings in Britain, especially with Prime
Minister Tony Blair, and also mentioned the importance of President Bush's
statement about the Palestinian state.
Marwan al-Barghouthi described the aggression????? against Hamas activists as??
aggression on the Fatah movement???? and on every Palestinian citizen and
emphasized the strength of Palestinian national unity. He also pointed out the
futility of the meetings with Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, saying
that seeking peace with Sharon is like looking for a needle in a haystack and
running after a mirage.
Deputy Jamal ash-Shobaki said it was important to benefit from the current
international situation????? and warned against running after US promises of a
state and neglecting the goals of an end to occupation, the right of self-
determination, and the return of refugees??? within the framework of a clear
political project.
Deputy Ziad Abu 'Amr said it was important to reform the Palestinian domestic
situation and safeguard the Palestinian unity, which was strengthened through
the Intifada????. He also affirmed the right of citizens to freely express
their opinions within the rule of law.
Deputy 'Azmi ash-Shu'aibi stated that there was a need for a new initiative to
resolve the Palestinian problem, with the participation of a third party, and
warned against returning to the old Oslo paradigm.
Deputy Suleiman ar-Roumy asked the Legislative Council to condemn the terror???
exercised against the Arabs and Moslems at a time when the Israeli aggression
continues against the Palestinian territories and people.
Deputy Nahid ar-Rayyis condemned the barbaric attacks against the Islamic
people of Afghanistan?? using military technology and emphasized that he
objected
to such attacks only because the suspect being pursued had not yet been proven
guilty?????. Ar-Rayyis said he distrusted Bush's statements about the
Palestinian state, which he described as an anesthetic injection to the area.
Deputy Hanan 'Ashrawi said that it was important not to relate what happened in
Washington and New York to the Palestinian problem????. She affirmed that it
was necessary to find radical solutions to existing problems, especially the
Palestinian problem, and said that she considered Bush's promises as principles
only. 'Ashrawi added that it was important to identify future steps??? while
maintaining basic Palestinian premises.
Health Minister Dr. Riyad az-Za'noun then presented a report on the health
situation???? in Palestine during the first year of Intifada. His presentation
received a positive response, and the Speaker and Members applauded the work
done by the Ministry of Health and the staff under very difficult
circumstances.
Minister of Labor???? Rafeeq an-Natsheh presented a report on the Ministry's
work
during the first year of Intifada.
The Council also discussed committee reports, including one by the Economic
Committee, and agreed to put the Penal Code up for a general debate. The
Council will continue its session today.
PLC Statement
Before the conclusion of the session, the Council issued a statement
reiterating its full support for the decisions of the President and the
Palestinian Leadership about strengthening the ceasefire???? and implementing
the
Mitchell's Report and the Tenet Accords - especially at this historic
opportunity for the Palestinian people to attain their national legitimate
rights, including the right of self-determination and return??? and the
establishment of a Palestinian state???, with Jerusalem as its capital????.
The Council also welcomed President Bush's statements about the Palestinian
state but added that the statements should be clarified, supported by actions,
and accompanied by a serious initiative for a just, comprehensive, and
permanent peace based on UN Resolutions.
The Council also appealed to the international community and the United Nations
to condemn the Israeli policy of aggression and procrastination, exercise
pressure on the Israeli government???? to stop its aggression and siege of the
Palestinian people, and implement the recommendations contained in the Mitchell
Report, especially the freeze on all forms of settlement activity, and in the
other decisions embodied in previous agreements.
The PLC also called urgently for the convention of an international conference
on the issue of terrorism to distinguish accurately???? between terrorism aimed
at innocent civilians and legitimate resistance against occupation. The Council
warned against the attempts to describe the current international situation as
a struggle between civilizations and religions???, which could lead the world
into
chaos and total destruction.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------