Arafat urges Arab FMs to stand firm against Israel
Palestine-Regional, Politics, 8/24/2001

Palestinian President Yasser Arafat called upon the international community Wednesday to shoulder its responsibility towards the deteriorating situation in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Addressing Arab Foreign Ministers session Wednesday, Arafat pressed for the dispatch of international monitors to help put a bridle on the continued Israeli aggression and implement the Mitchell peace plan and the Egyptian-Jordanian initiative.

During the first working session of the emergency meeting of Arab Foreign Ministers, Arafat also pressed for a joint international initiative on Middle East peace, to be launched by the UN Security Council.

The Palestinian Leader thanked the President of the Organization of Islamic Conference and member states for demanding a UNSC session on Israel's constant aggressions in Al-Quds.

Arafat made it clear that the Orient House, in east Jerusalem, has been the headquarters of Palestinian negotiators since Madrid's Conference.

"Israel, in a flagrant breach of signed agreements and the Oslo accords, confiscated Palestine's historic documents, files and maps inside the headquarters," Arafat said.

'The Israeli practices would never weaken the Palestinian people's stamina,' he added.

"Israel's repeated attempts to Judaise Al Quds will never bring about peace, security and stability for the region," Arafat reiterated.

"The Israeli government, over 11 months, has been devastating the Palestinian people's achievements at the infrastructure, development, economic, cultural and tourist levels," according to Arafat.

In a clear reference to the American veto, Arafat vocalized regret that the international legitimacy institutions remained inactive at the current stage in the face of Israeli aggression.

"Palestinians, albeit, dealt positively with the latest developments," Arafat said, adding that the Palestinians accepted Mitchell's recommendations and CIA Director George Tenet's Paper.

"The Palestinian Authority recognizes the friendship relations between the US and Israel and the Palestinians have tried, but in vain, to make the US press Israel to end its aggressions. It's time now to adopt a unified Arab stance in the face of Israel," Arafat reiterated.

He recalled the recent G-8 Summit resolution to send international observers to the occupied lands.

"But Israel refused such a decision and escalated its anti-Palestinian attacks," Arafat said.

"The meeting is entitled to work out a unified strategy, to take effect in the various domains," he concluded.

Previous Stories:
  Arab and Islamic Affairs Arafat briefs Arab Foreign Ministers on developments in occupied territories   (8/22/2001)
  Annan welcomes possibility of Middle East talks   (8/22/2001)
  Arab foreign ministers to hold emergency meeting on Wednesday   (8/18/2001)

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