Palestinian groups boycott Palestinian Democratic Front festival
Palestine, Politics, 3/22/1999

The Monte Carlo correspondent in Damascus said that all Palestinian factions opposing the Oslo agreement on Friday boycotted the Democratic Front Festival which was held in Damascus on Friday on the occasion of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine's 30th anniversary.

While the opposition continue to demanding that DFLP leader Nayef Hawatemah apologize over "shaking hands with [Israeli President Ezer] Weizman" in Amman, Hawatemah said that these "opposition organizations" which were behind the divisions among the ranks of the opposition have to apologize.

In this respect, chairman of the Palestinian Salvation Front, who is also the chairman of the follow up committee of the Palestinian national council, which opposes the Wye River agreement, stressed that he sent a cable of congratulations to the cadres of the DFLP, especially as all Palestinian opposition sides in Damascus have respect to these cadres, distinguishing between DFLP's leadership -- Hawatemah -- and its cadres.

Hawatemah for his part indicated that the real Palestinian opposition is inside the occupied territories and among those who did not boycott the rallies organized by the DFLP held inside the "homeland."

Western diplomatic sources said the isolation of the front in Damascus may prolong the transfer of Hawatemah to the Palestinian territories, especially as Palestinian President Yasser Arafat had informed Hawatemah of his consent to his return, awaiting Israel to change its position in rejecting Hawatemah's return to the Palestinian territories.

The sources added that this matter will be discussed thoroughly during the meeting between Arafat and Hawatemah in Cairo during April. The agreement was agreed to be held at the mediation of the Egyptian president's political advisor, Osama El-Baz.

Previous Stories:
  Report: Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine to hold a rally in Damascus   (3/15/1999)
  Palestinian Democratic Front stresses commitment to Palestinians in diaspora   (2/22/1999)
  Contacts to prepare for a meeting between Hawatemah and Arafat   (2/17/1999)

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