PLC calls on factions to withdraw from PLO

[ 01/09/2010 - 12:37 PM ]

GAZA, (PIC)-- The Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) called on the Palestinian factions to withdraw from the PLO Executive Committee, saying there is a need to take action in “activating the role of the resistance movement in defense of Palestinian rights and constants” as opposed to initiating direct negotiations with Israel.

This came during a Legislative Council meeting Tuesday to approve the council’s Political Committee report on direct peace talks between Abbas and Israel.

Change and Reform bloc representatives called for action in developing a “strategic plan, designed to restore the cause to its Islamic roots, and to attract more solidarity and support.” All agreements signed with Israel should be considered as “void”, the reps added.

On his turn, Assembly Speaker Dr. Aziz Dweik said negotiations did not yield any results for the cause, and the Palestinian negotiator “made a mistake by accepting these negotiations.”

“The negotiator does not have the resolution in his hand in light of giving in to American pressure, misconceptions of the political map, and lack of understanding of the real Zionist intentions against the Palestinian cause,” he added.

For his part, PLC First Deputy Chairman, Dr. Ahmad Bahar, said entering negotiations is “a conspiracy against the Palestinian cause,” adding that negotiators contribute in giving a cover for Israel’s crimes against the Palestinian people.

Political Committee Chairman Khalil al-Hayya presented in the meeting a report on the negotiations and reviewed the reasons to go to direct talks, saying: “The American administration made no secret of their interest in the Palestinian question, not only as a contribution to improve relations with the Islamic world, but primarily for reasons related to American interests".

Direct negotiations do not have a serious chance for success, he said, noting that Netanyahu is betting on the outcome of Congress midterm elections in November.

Hayya warned that direct talks could allow Israel to buy more time to impose a de facto situation with more settlement activity, and maintain the Fatah authority in Ramallah as a security branch in the face of resistance factions, which is to the interest of Israel and its security considerations.

He called on Palestinians at home and abroad to hold angry demonstrations rejecting “liquidation” of the Palestinian cause and exposing Abbas and his negotiators. He also appealed to the Arab League to assume its responsibility towards the issue.

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