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PA Leaders Do Not Reject Armed Conflict

(Palestinian Media Watch) Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik - Former Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Ahmad Qurei said in a recent interview in Al Sharq Al-Awsat: "All the options are open, as I see it. Negotiations, political activity, popular activity and [armed] resistance - and we must continue with it." He added that the use of armed conflict - "resistance" - is a function of its profitability: "If it gives me [benefit] without costing me, yes." Qurei's message is that armed conflict is not to be rejected, but is to be used on the basis of profit and loss considerations. Nabil Shaath, Fatah Commissioner of Foreign Relations, said "the decision to renew negotiations was a tactical decision, i.e., a temporary, defensive decision." (Al-Dustur [Jordan], June 10) Shaath also said the Palestinian people "has the right to act in the way of the armed struggle. We have acted in this way for 100 years. Fatah led it [the armed struggle] for 23 years, and Hamas adopted it for 15 years. We are proud of all of our shahids (martyrs), and it is our right to return to the armed conflict whenever we view that as our people's interest." (Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, June 7)
2010-08-13 09:42:27
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