Brazilian Palestinian National Interest Committee

BPNIC Briefings

House Committee Urges the Government to Establish an Embassy for the State of Palestine
Sixty one years ago, the world witnessed the expulsion of around 800,000 Palestinians from their cities and villages, the killings of civilians and the destruction of thousands of their homes. Today, the original Palestinian refugees and their descendents, estimated to number more than 7 million, have a real partner to help them establish their new home in the Holy Land. One of the most dynamic and highly productive countries in the world, Brazil, with respect to the interest of the international community, has begun to preserve and maintain Palestinian rights and achievements. On March 18, 2009, the Committee of Foreign Relations and National Defense of the House, approved a bill authorizing the Federal Government to donate land in Brasilia for the future premises of the embassy of Palestine, reported InfoRel. InfoRel also reported that, according to the Ministry of External Relations, it is of special interest in the context of the Brazilian foreign policy, to donate a lot to Palestine, so that the delegation has its own seat in Brasilia. Learn more
Palestinians Have a Real Partner for Peace
Brazil reaffirmed the interest in the Brazil-Palestine relationship and the constructive role Brazil can play in the search for peace and security in the Middle East. President of the Republic, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on Tuesday, January 27, 2009, that peace in the Middle East is won only with the participation of Brazil, reported Estadao. The fact that the rest of the world has been silent during the Israeli atrocities and did not stand up – has not deterred Brazil. They did not share the appreciation for the great contribution the Arab people given to Brazil. The Brazil-Palestine relationship cannot change the past but together can shape the future, and today, with special support from IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa), Brazil, a country that has served the most number of years as an elected member of the UNSC than any other country, is aiming at establishing an independent State of Palestine, recognized by all member states of the United Nations. Learn more
Brazilian Leaders Strongly Support Creation of Palestine
Brazilian leaders from across the political field strongly supported Palestinian's right to exist in the face of Israeli attacks on the occupied Palestinian territories. The Workers Party of the Brazilian Government said the attack by Israel in Gaza is criminal. The military actions of the Jewish state can only be characterized as state terrorism. Attacks cannot be answered through actions against civilians. Retaliation against civilians is a typical practice of the Nazi army: Lídice and Guernica are two examples. The Foreign Ministry said the Brazilian Government deplores the land invasion of Gaza by the Israeli Army. President of the Republic Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva Reaffirmed the position of Brazil favoring the existence of both Palestine and Israel. Learn more
Deputy Pedro Wilson Stresses Support for Palestine
Deputy Pedro Wilson (PT-GO) in January 2009 defended the actions of the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in finding a solution for peace in the Middle East and the immediate cease-fire between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza, reported Congresso em Foco. He retorted the criticism of former foreign ministers Celso Lafer and Luis Felippe Lampréia, both of the FHC government, which questioned the influence of Brazil in the negotiations and the validity of the visit of Minister Celso Amorim. "Only those who do not believe in Brazil can make a comment like this, we live a new time and our international credibility is immense", he said. He reaffirmed the Brazilian Government, which follows with concern the intensification of limitless attacks of Israel on the occupied Palestinian territory of Gaza, through a message from President Lula, proposes that the UN intermediate urgently. Learn more
Government of Brazil Continues to Build Palestine by Seeking a Seat in the UNSC
A major breakthrough in peace negotiations is still not expected between Palestinians and Israelis, unless Israel ends the colonization and abandons the occupied territories. However, the moment of opportunity to achieve concrete progress in building the Palestinian state is now, and the participation of Brazil in the the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will give greater legitimacy to the peace process, and help find a negotiated political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Brazilian government in 2007 and 2008 has announced several measures that would help the country join the UNSC, specifically related to advancing the path of national independence for the Palestinians and security for the Israelis, and has consistently spoken in favor of a ceasefire, and against mutual acts of hostility. Learn more
Brazil extends its solidarity to the families of the victims in Gaza
The Brazilian government criticized the decision of Israel to conduct aerial bombing on the Gaza Strip, and extended its solidarity to the families of the victims of the bombings. The escalation of violence in the region after the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas undermines efforts for a peaceful negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, noted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil on Saturday, December 27, 2008. What Israel is doing in one of the most densely populated tracts of land in the world, at the end of 2008, where the unemployment rate is higher than anywhere else in the world, is a war crime. The Government of Israel must end the siege and the war in Gaza, for the sake of its neighbors, for the sake of the average Palestinian citizen, for the sake of the average Israeli citizen, and for the sake of peace. The vicious cycle must end, sooner than later. Destruction and depopulation of Palestinian towns and villages has been occurring over the past 60 years. Learn more
No Israeli Policy Change on Palestinian Genocide
Israel has yet to change its policy on the deliberate and systematic destruction of 5,000 years of Palestinian heritage and culture, and continues to build a wall surrounding Palestinian villages and towns and saying that it is up to historians, not politicians, to discuss issues related to genocide. The wall, which is being built on 80% Palestinian land, is designed to isolate Palestinian villages in the West Bank and specifically in East Jerusalem, in turn forcing thousands to leave their homes as they would then be considered a security threat. Due to Israeli Genocide policies, poverty is approaching 60% in occupied Palestine, with as high as 80% in Gaza. 450,000 illegal Israeli settlers now live in more than 150 illegal settlements in occupied Palestine. Checkpoints and road blocks are now totaling more than 561, which is a primary tool for Israel to inflect poverty on the Palestinians and deliberately corrupting the Palestinian economy. Learn more
Brazil: Hamas is Not a Terrorist Organization
According to Brazilian Ambassador Antonio Patriota’s statement at a roundtable discussion hosted by George Washington University’s Homeland Security Policy Institute, on July 29th 2008, Hamas has a political wing that funds social welfare programs in the Middle East, and unlike the United States, Brazil does not recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization. "This is something that was exhaustively examined", Mr. Patriota said. He referred to concerns of the United States as a "myth", saying the "Three Plus One" initiative that pools intelligence resources from Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and the United States has turned up no evidence to support them. "It cannot be presumed and it has never been shown that any financing has gone to any military or violent initiative," he said. Furthermore, Mr. Patriota labeled as unfair assertions from some national governments and media outlets that Brazil has ungoverned space. Learn more
Brazil Sent a Note of Protest to Israel
Brazil sent a note of protest to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel condemning the action that kept the daughter of ambassador of Brazil Pedro Motto Pinto Coelho in Tel Aviv, arrested for about three hours in the immigration of Ben Gurion international airport in Lod-Israel, reported the Brazilian Ministry of External Relations. The ambassador of Israel in Brasilia, Tzipora Rimon, was also called by the head of the department of the Middle East at Itamaraty, Sarkis Karmirian, to provide information on the episode. The diplomatic incident occurred in the early hours of 7/17/2008, when the ambassador's daughter, Laila Pinto Coelho, 25, was detained for investigations upon arrival in Israel for a month long visit. After being informed of the detention, Mr. Motta came as a diplomat and asked that his daughter be freed. He was rudely received and later expelled from the room. Learn more
In Memoriam: Farewell Mahmoud Darwish
Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish has died after open heart surgery at 13h35 GMT, 8/9/2008. Best known for his work describing the Palestinian struggle for independence, the experience of exile and factional infighting, Mr. Darwish was a vocal critic of Israeli policy and the occupation of Palestinian lands. Last year, Darwish recited a poem damning the deadly infighting between rival Palestinian groups Hamas and Fatah, describing it as "a public attempt at suicide in the streets". Identity Card by Mahmoud Darwish: Record! I am an Arab. And my identity card is number fifty thousand. I have eight children. And the ninth is coming after a summer. Will you be angry? Learn more
President Lula: Support to Palestinian Government is Vital
Brazil is determined to find a way towards a resolution that will end the Israeli occupation of Arab land, and continues to shore up support for a durable, negotiated land for peace deal between Palestinians and Israelis. A peace that will lead to a sovereign, democratic, cohesive and economically viable Palestinian State in the territories occupied since 1967. Brazil, a country that has served the most number of years as an elected member of the UNSC than any other country, is capable of developing a foundation for a disengagement plan, and a proposal for abandonment of the Israeli military system and all settlements from the West Bank. Recent actions by Brazil have included the sending of a 20 person delegation to the Palestinian territories to start making real progress towards the creation of a Palestinian state, and make a real contribution towards peace in the Middle East. Learn more
IBSA: Negotiations Must Bring an End to the Israeli Occupation
In Cape Town at the Ministerial Meeting of the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum, May 11, 2008, the Ministers of the three nations supported negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis to bring an end to the Israeli occupation. The Ministers expressed their continuing support for the Annapolis Peace Process as well as the Arab Peace Initiative, and the recent Yemeni initiative aimed at restoring Palestinian unity. The Brazilian Foreign Minister, Ambassador Celso Amorim, reiterated what was said at the Annapolis Peace Conference. Learn more
BPNIC Denounce and Condemn Israeli Measures on Holy Saturday
During the Orthodox Easter celebrations, Palestinian Christians were denied their right to worship freely in Jerusalem; they were not allowed to arrive to the Orthodox Patriarchate where celebrations normally take place, and they were not allowed to reach the St. Jacob Cathedral near the Christian Quarter of the Old City. The Israeli police had set up barricades at the Gates of the Old City, and when Christian worshipers arrived the Israeli police started shouting at them and pushing them, and there was an incident when the police threw tear gas and beat the Christian worshipers with clubs. Learn more
Brazilian Administration Rejects Israeli Violence in Gaza
The Brazilian Administration received with distress the news about the recent Israeli Defense Forces operations in the Gaza Strip, with at least twenty Palestinians dead, of which included civilians, five children and a press professional. The Brazilian Administration rejects the Israeli violence in Gaza, which also caused the loss of life of three Israeli soldiers, close to the kibbutz Be'eri. The Brazilian Administration reiterated the rejection to any violent actions, reported the Ministry of Foreign Relations on 4/17/2008. Brazil exhorts that all involved parties exercise moderation and the preservation of innocent civilians' life in pursuit of peace efforts, based on the understanding reached at the Annapolis Conference. Learn more
Brazil Invites Palestinian Government to Join Mercosul
Led by Evandro Didonet from Itamaraty, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of International Negotiations, a Brazilian delegation visited Ramallah for a round of meetings with Palestinian government officials and policy makers on April 7th, 2008. Desiring to promote mutual relations and improve friendship between them, both nations determined to strengthen and develop the economic relations by allowing the Palestinian National Authority to join a free trade agreement with Mercosul. Diplomat Mufid Shami, responsible of the Americas at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was also present. Also during the Ramallah meetings, the Palestine Liberation Organization reaffirmed Palestinian interest to promote cooperation in areas which are of mutual interest by signing a free trade agreement with Mercosul. Learn more
Brazil Continues Promoting Middle East Peace and Dialogue
Brazil continues promoting Middle East peace and dialogue and at the invitation of the Brazilian Minister of Foreign Relations, Celso Amorim, the U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, visited Brazil March 13 and 14, 2008, and both governments reaffirmed: Are committed to the process initiated at the Annapolis Meeting to promote Middle East peace. They exchanged ideas on ways of providing support for Israeli and Palestinian efforts to realize the shared vision of two states, living side-by-side in peace and security. Their determination to maintain a strategic dialogue on global issues through biannual consultative meetings. Their intent to maintain a dialogue to address issues related to peace, security, and economic well-being in Africa and the Middle East. Learn more
Brazil and Members of the ASPA Affirm Commitment to Palestinians
Brazil's Celso Amorim along with other Ministers of Foreign Affairs of South America and Arab countries (ASPA) gathered in Buenos Aires on 20 and 21 February 2008. ASPA member states reaffirm the need to intensify existing efforts to resume the peace process in order to reach fair, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Israeli-Arab conflict on all tracks on the basis of relevant resolutions of the Security Council and of the General Assembly of the United Nations, as well as the Madrid Framework, in particular the "Land for Peace Principle", the Road Map, and the "Arab Peace Initiative" adopted at the Beirut Summit (2002), and reactivated at the Riyadh Summit (2007) and the Annapolis Conference (2007). Learn more
Brazil-Palestine Sign BPNIC Fostered Agreement for Joint Political and Economic Cooperation
Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim and Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki sign a BPNIC fostered agreement that designates Palestine as a major Arab League ally of Brazil. The memorandum comprises one of the most comprehensive agreements ever signed between the two countries, marking a major turning point in their relations. The agreement emphasizes the importance of working together to be aware of the value of their distinctive dialogue and agree to regular discussions and periodic meetings between the presidents, between the ministers of foreign affairs, and between the council of ministers and executive committees of both nations. Learn more
Palestinian National Authority Hosts a Two Day Visit by Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim
For two days, the Brazilian government of President Lula, is sending Foreign Minister Celso Amorim to the occupied Palestinian city of Ramallah. Several sessions will be held from February 12th - 13th which will include Mr. Amorim, President Abbas, and several Palestinian and Brazilian congressional staffers and policy professionals. Minister Celso Amorim, following several discussions which already took place amongst Brazilian parliament leaders, will discuss ways to provide Palestinians with more opportunities for economic development while providing Israelis with security for their nation. Learn more
Military Operations in Gaza Similar to Terrorist Actions
The Israeli military operations in Gaza, which began at around the start of the second Palestinian uprising in September 2000, closely resemble the actions of the Zionist terrorist organization Irgune, which operated in Palestine between 1931 and 1948. Irgune, shorthand for the National Military Organization in the Land of Israel, a predecessor to today's Israeli Likud party, included attacks against Palestinians and British, and expressed the ideology that every Jew had the right to enter Palestine. Learn more
Brazil May Receive More Palestinian Refugees
Brazil may receive a new group of Palestinian refugees in 2008, reported Agência Brasil and the Brazil-Arab News Agency. The statement was made by the president of the National Committee for Refugees, Conare, Luiz Paulo Barreto, who asserted that one of the lines of work of the committee will consist of evaluating the integration of the 108 Palestinians that arrived in Brazil last year. Learn more
Mercosul-Israel Agreement Reinforces Peace in the Middle East
The signing of a free trade agreement between Mercosul and Israel and the recent contribution of R$ 5.4 million from Brazil to the Palestinian government’s economic reforms program, reinforces peace and equality in the Middle East, according to the opinion of Husam Bajis, executive director of the Brazilian Palestinian National Interest Committee. Learn more
Farouk Kaddoumi: Refugees are Key to Palestinian State
Mr. Farouk Kaddoumi, Chairman of the Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fatah), Secretary General of the Fatah Central Committee and head of the Political Department of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), reiterated in Damascus-Syria, that Palestinian Refugees' Right of Return is his top priority and key to establishing a Palestinian state. Learn more
Congress Supports Lula in the Rebuilding of Palestine
During the International Donors’ Conference for Palestine in Paris, on December 17, the delegation of Brazil, led by the Undersecretary-General for Commercial Cooperation and Promotion, Ambassador Ruy Nunes Pinto Nogueira, confirmed President Lula Da Silva's campaign in the Holy Land, and announced a contribution of US$3 million (R$ 5.4 million) in the next three years, to the Palestinian government’s economic reforms program. Learn more
Speaker of the House to UN: You did Not Partition Palestine
"On November 29, 1947, the General Assembly of the UN approved a resolution for the partition of Palestine, however this partition did not happen", stated the Speaker of the House, Arlindo Chinaglia (PT-SP), Agência Câmara reported. The UN, according to Mr. Chinaglia, has the commitment to create a Palestinian State, since Israel has already been constituted. Learn more
Celso Amorim To Attend Peace Conference in Annapolis
The Department of State on Wednesday, November 21 2007, announced that it is dispatching Foreign Minister Celso Amorim to the US-hosted peace conference in Annapolis, Maryland on November 27, the Agence France-Presse reported. The announcement by the Department of State follows weeks of discussions amongst Brazilian leaders including House Representatives Vieira da Cunha, Aldo Rebelo and Nilson Mourão. Learn more

Israel Deports Christian Clergy from Ramallah
The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF) in Jerusalem has reported on September 23rd 2007 that Israel has stopped issuing re-entry visas to Christian ministers. HCEF also reported that Rev. Fares Khleifat, a Christian minister and the only Greek Melkite priest in Ramallah, was deported on September 14, 2007. Learn more
Lula’s Government Continues to Build the Bridge to Palestine
The Brazilian government of President Lula Da Silva decided to step up its campaign in the Holy Land by appointing a new ambassador to Palestine. Ligia Maria Scherer will be the next head of the Brazilian representative in Ramallah and will assume responsibilities in the month of October. Learn more
BPNIC Director Meets with Brazilian-Palestinian Owned Companies
BPNIC Executive Director, Husam Bajis during the month of August toured the state of Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte meeting with Palestinian-Brazilian owned companies in order to establish relations with U.S. based industries and begin export. Learn more
Brazil Wants Improved Life Conditions for Palestinians
The Brazilian government received with satisfaction the news of release of 255 Palestinian prisoners by the government of Israel, on July 20th. Learn more
Brazil’s Public Opinion Favors Palestinians
After the 40 years following Israel’s annexation of Palestinian lands, more Brazilian’s have placed their sympathy with the Palestinians than with Israel, according to a BBC World Service public opinion poll. Learn more
Palestinian Teenagers Died from Israeli attack
After living under forced Israeli poverty for 12 years, two teenage Palestinian boys having the same age died of wounds they received from bullets that struck them in their bodies as they were scavenging metal to sell for food for their families in Gaza, the Palestine News Agency reported. Learn more
Brazil concerned about Palestinian Parliamentarians in Israeli Jails
The Brazilian Government on May 25th received with concern news about the detention of Palestinian authorities and parliamentarians by Israeli Defense Forces, in operations carried out in Gaza and the West Bank. Learn more
Brazil Renews its Confidence in the National Unity Government
Brazil on Friday May 18th renewed its confidence in the formation of the new Palestinian national unity government. Learn more
Brazil Welcomes New Palestinian National Unity Government
The Brazilian government expects the new government and dialogue between the Palestinian parties will decrease differences of opinion, and smooth the way for normalization of relations between the Palestinian National Authority and the international community. Learn more
PLO Issues a Report Indicating Israel has Stepped Up Operations
The PLO issued a report indicating since September 29, 2000 (the start of the second Palestinian upraising against Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands) until the end of February 2007, Israeli armed forces have killed 4,698 Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories. Learn more
The PLO Reaches an Agreement
The PLO Executive Committee briefed the United States that an agreement within the PLO was reached to remain committed to the Road Map and the vision of President Bush of two states. Learn more

Brazilian Leaders Strongly Support Creation of Palestine

Brazilian leaders from across the political field strongly supported Palestinian's right to exist in the face of Israeli attacks on the occupied Palestinian territories.