BPNIC Press Statement, 9/24/2007

During the second Seminar jointly organized by Brazil and Norway on the subject of Peace and Reconciliation, in Oslo, September 14, 2007; Brazil continued its efforts to facilitate the Palestinians quest for having a state of their own. Minister Celso Amorim of Brazil discussed ways to provide Palestinians with more opportunities for economic development while providing Israelis with security for their nation. Mr. Amorim expressed with grave concern to the Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict represents an important unsolved Question to the Brazilian people as well as the rest of the world.

Mr. Amorim stated that there will be no durable peace in the Middle East without a permanent solution for the Palestinian people. Additionally Mr. Amorim expressed Brazil’s uneasiness with unilateral initiatives the Israeli government has been taking. He also mentioned that Europe and the international community should take Norway’s lead and work with the Palestinians to ensure that dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis persists, rather then confrontation. Mr. Amorim also praised the peace efforts and humanitarian aid including assistance to non-governmental organizations made by Norway to the Palestinians as a goodwill partner.

The Brazilian Government’s special envoy for Middle Eastern affairs, Ambassador Ouro-Preto, was also present at the seminar on Peace and Reconciliation.

Mr. Amorim also stated that Brazil also values the relation to Israel, and sees itself in a unique position to talk to both sides.

Brazil has already expressed to the Madrid Quartet nations and international entities made up of the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations, its readiness to participate more actively in international efforts to compel Israel to bring to an end the occupation of the Palestinians. Brazil also wants Norway to convince other European nations to take action in accelerating the peace process between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

The Brazilian Palestinian National Interest Committee (BPNIC) is working on strengthening the relation between Brazil and the Palestinians. Brazil was the first Latin American country granted observer status by the Arab League, of which Palestine is a member.

BPNIC wishes to increase the Brazilian contribution in helping the Palestinians achieve their dream of having an economically viable and independent state, to exist peacefully along side Israel. BPNIC considers that a Palestinian state can contribute in providing for peace in the Middle East.

BPNIC views that this new vision from Brazil will bring some positive energy into the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and is currently working on establishing special groups between Brazilians and Palestinian to help economic development in the Palestinian territories and provide for a peaceful solution to the Question of Palestine.