PRAGUE, December 9, 2009 (WAFA)-“The PES should be most interested in engaging in the Middle East problem when it addresses global economic and environmental concerns from the progressive perspective of democratic socialism.” Dr. Nabeel Shaath the Commissioner General of International Relations of Fatah Movement, said in a meeting of the Party Of European Socialists (PES) in the Czech Republic, Yesterday.
He said, “despite all the obstacles and difficulties we are still determined to succeed. We remain committed to democracy and social justice, but it is very difficult to achieve them under colonization, military occupation, discrimination, and denial of our political, and human rights.”
He asked, “how can you manage an economy when you are deprived of the control of your land and water and the freedom of movement?” adding “how can you provide social justice when Gaza remains encircled? 20% of its homes are destroyed and their inhabitants remain without shelter, and yet Israel will not allow one bag of cement into Gaza to rebuild shelters for the winter.”
On duties and commitments he said, “we commit ourselves to continue our non-violent struggle to achieve freedom, and independence and to create a democratic society and government in Palestine. We commit ourselves to achieve Palestinian unity and internal solidarity, and we thank the Egyptians for helping us achieve it,” adding, “finally we will never lose sight of the absolute necessity of creating peace with our Israeli neighbors, as neighbors and equal partners and not as occupiers and oppressors. There is no valid alternative to a just peace. It is superior to any other. We believe it is still possible and doable. We need your help to make it happen.”
At the end he said, “It is not our fight alone. It is your fight and ours. Together we fight for dignity, freedom, equality, and justice. Together we struggle to end the last, and the longest remaining occupation in the world. Together we uphold progressive ideas about the national and human rights of all peoples. Together we can build the most important peace cherished by humanity today; bringing security, stability and prosperity to all of us, and hope, for the children of Palestine and Israel.”
Meanwhile he reminded that, “Fatah is a democratic, progressive, and a revolutionary movement which led the struggle for Palestinian freedom, independence and the return of its refugees, to end the Israeli occupation of our land. Fatah is also the party that committed itself to peace and justice through negotiations, non violent struggle, and resistance to occupation and oppression. We have been engaged for 18 years in a peace process based on international legality, leading to a two-state solution.”
