President Lula: Support to Palestinian Government is Vital
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| President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
shakes hands with Palestinian Ambassador, Ibrahim Al-Zeben, left, during a
meeting at the Palácio do Planalto, in Brasilia, Wednesday, July 23, 2008 |
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BPNIC Briefing, July 2008
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.
During a meeting with Palestinian ambassador Ibrahim Al-Zeben
at the Palácio do Planalto, President Lula stated on Monday
July 21, current negotiations must bring new opportunities
to Palestinians living in the homeland and must remain key
to peace.
BPNIC is hopeful that Brazil together with its partners in
the IBSA Fund, India and South Africa, will remind the
international community and involved parties of their
obligations to developing social and economic projects to
the benefit of the Palestinian people, and not just focus on
the buildup of democratic institutions.
BPNIC is grateful for the responsibility that Brazil has
taken up, for being committed to the Palestinian people, and
for bringing a new hope to the Palestinian-Israeli peace
process.
BPNIC is hopeful that further involvement by Brazil and IBSA
partners in the peace process will support the security
building initiatives that Israel seeks, and encourage the
cessation of military raids, and press the Israeli
Government to start taking tougher steps to encourage
Israeli settlers to cease violent acts against Palestinians.
For peace to exist between Palestinians and Israelis, BPNIC
lists the following as issues that must be resolved:
1. Israeli Government must cease military raids in the West
Bank and Gaza.
2. Dismantling of all settlements in the West Bank.
3. Democratically elected officials are recognized.
4. Dismantling of the wall.
5. Providing Palestinians free unrestricted travel in their
municipality.
6. Strengthening of Palestinian security forces and
intelligence.
7. UNSC backing for Brazil to start leading efforts, working
together with India, South Africa and the international
community, to support Palestinian Government
institutions in providing security for its nationals along
with securing the borders with the State of Israel.
8. Allowing Palestinians to control their airspace,
territorial waters, and land passages between the West Bank
and Gaza.
9. Resolving the Palestinian refugee issue as part of any
final status agreement.
BPNIC believes the international community has special
responsibilities: to support the establishment of a
Palestinian state; to end military raids, and to sponsor
normal relations between the Palestinians and Israelis.
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