A Statement To The Palestinian People

international | anti-war / imperialism | other press Saturday August 21, 2010 21:03 by pat c

Mustafa Barghouti MP writes about the pressure that once again is being imposed on the palestinian people to enter into so called Peace Talks. Dr Barghouti believes that such talks without a clear agenda, timetable or without a binding mechanism for implementation will result in a betrayal of the Palestinian People. Full article at link.

We have followed with great concern the increasing external pressure, especially from the U.S. and Israel, on the PLO leadership to shift from indirect negotiations (which have not resulted in any progress) to direct negotiations without clear and binding terms of reference regarding a complete halt of all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory - including in Jerusalem.

The terms of reference should be based on international law and UN resolutions and to include a predetermined timetable to reach a final status agreement. The agreement will necessarily include ending the Israeli occupation of all territories occupied in 1967 and enabling the Palestinians to exercise the Right of Return, right to self-determination, and the right to an independent and sovereign state in the territory occupied in 1967 - with Jerusalem as its capital.