Al-Ahram Palestinian discourse has changed from no to yes
Palestine-Israel, Economics, 7/5/2003

With the "Roadmap" being put into effect, the Palestinian concepts, and the philosophy of the resistance have changed. In an exclusive interview with Al Ahram, Nabil Amr, Palestinian Minister of Information, dealt with the most significant question, now under consideration in the Arab and Palestinian arena,on the suspension of the resistance weapon to help the Palestinian negotiator in the peace talks. Excerpts:

ÊÊÊ *The Palestinian negotiator should understand at heart that the good negotiations are a form of resistance.

* The Palestinians are offered a US-led international political plan which provides for a ceasefire.

* The ceasefire applies on both parties, Palestinians as well as Israelis, as clearly defined by the "Roadmap."

* We are not therefore considering the right for resistance, we are talking about the ways and means to enhance the political track.

* If Israel violated the truce, it is only natural that the truce would collapse. However, we've studied the matter carefully with our brothers in Egypt, and with the Europeans and Americans, and could reach an agreement on the Israeli withdrawal to the pre-28 September lines, and to stop the Israeli incursion against the ending of the commando operations.

* In my opinion, this is a good deal, we consider that the proper implementation of our political and security roles is the best way to advance on the political track that would eventually result in the creation of the Palestinian state.

* When Israel receives American and Palestinian guarantees, it would get out from the occupied lands, otherwise it would was a good chance. Many of the Israeli leaders understand the "true issue quite well.

* The USA will observe the truce without special forces, due to Israel's categorical rejection of peace-keeping forces. We, as Palestinians would prefer the presence of any peace-keeping force but matters are not in our hands.

* The USA will be responsible for the implementation of the "Roadmap" according to the US text, and not according to the Israeli vision.

* The "Roadmap" is a scenario for action, and does not represent the solution per se. It didn't offer any solution to the refugees and borders issues that would require special negotiations.

* The Israeli withdrawal to the pre-28 September lines represents the first stage, which is a tactical stage, to be followed by the issues of the internal situation then holding and international peace conference that would include Syria and Lebanon, in order to realize comprehensive peace in the entire region.

* The most important thing in the "Roadmap" is that it was initiated by the USA.

ÊÊÊ * There are big differences within the Palestinian Authority Fatah Movement, Arafat's office and the government. But this is the well-known Palestinian folklore, as we don't have unanimous agreement on any issue.

* The USA doesn't want to deal with Arafat, and has put all its weight to support Abu Mazen.

* Israel supports Abu Mazen to justify its blockage of Arafat, and Europe wants to play a balanced role with the US and Israel, and therefore has kept a small channel with Arafat. The Arabs also have channels with Arafat but all focus is on Abu Mazen.

* The entire world is to blame for the present tense situation, and both Arafat and Abu Mazen are in need for each other.

* In fact Arafat is the head of state, who concludes the official agreements as the chief of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), and at the same time Abu Mazen is in need for Arafat to open the closed doors before him.

*This is the Palestinian democracy, and we all act through Arafat, who holds the key for peace and security. He has no plans to go into exile in Tunisia, and would remain in Palestine, and we are doing our best to lift the siege off him.

Previous Stories:
  Abbas, Sharon start Jerusalem meeting with optimism to achieve peace   (7/2/2003)
  Israel asks for dismantling Palestinian groups, despite the declared truce   (6/30/2003)
  PNA: Bush's call to dismantle hamas is call for palestinian civil war   (6/28/2003)
  World Bank on Israel's destruction of Palestinian economy: half the Palestinians live on less than two dollars a day   (3/6/2003)
  UNRWA hands 97 houses to Palestinians after being destroyed by Israel   (9/20/2002)
  UN figures show economic crisis leading to 'human catastrophe' in West Bank and Gaza   (8/31/2002)

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