April 16, 2010

Bethlehem – Ma'an – Thursday marked the 8th anniversary of the abduction and imprisonment of Marwan Barghouthi by Israeli forces, in honor of which the detained PLC member presented a summation of the current Palestinian situation. The Palestinian leader, credited with cobbling together the Prisoners Document in 2007, which laid out a plan for Palestinian reconciliation following the first months of Fatah-Hamas violence, again urged rival factions to "put the black days of division" behind them. Palestinians must rally together under their common national interests, Barghouthi said, reminding that all "are committed to our national message and we will always remain faithful to all martyrs and detainees at Israeli prisons. We are keen on the right of return and protecting Jerusalem and the Holy sites." He called on Hamas officials to sign the Egyptian-sponsored reconciliation document, saying the solution was a viable one and would put an end to division. Turning to external matters, Barghouthi spoke about the United States, and the role it plays in the Israel-Palestine issue. The imprisoned Palestinian official made clear that he believes the United States continually obstructs peace in the region "through its indefinite support of the occupation." Given the American support and "Israel's escalating intransigence," Barghouthi said there was little point in pursuing a peace deal. He added that rumors of a crisis in US-Israel relations were overblown, calling "what is happening to day...a difference of opinion," rather than a crisis. Barghouthi called the Quartet's latest statement in support of Palestinian caretaker Prime Minister Salam Fayyad's two-year plan toward the declaration of a Palestinain state an "opportunity for Israel to continue its occupation and procrastination for two more years." What is required from the Quartet, Barghouthi said, is a resolution condemning Israel and demanding an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Adding, it is required from the Quartet to adopt a resolution condemning Israel and demanding an end to the occupation.