BEIRUT, September 5, 2011 (WAFA) – Chairman of the Lebanese National Media Council, Abdel-Hadi Mahfouz, Monday told WAFA that the Palestinian leadership’s heading to United Nations to gain international recognition of a Palestinian state within 1967 borders has became an urgent need and a legitimate right, following the Israeli government’s intransigence and the hard-line Israeli policy towards the Palestinian cause.

Mahfouz considered that international recognition of the Palestinian state will provide a starting point for a just and comprehensive peace according to international legitimacy resolutions, and will help solve all outstanding security and stability issues in the region.

He stressed that international recognition is recognition of the Palestinians’ rights, including the right to establish an independent state and solve the issues of Palestinians in the Palestinian Territory and abroad, and will definitely lead to uniting Palestinian effort.

 “An international recognition of the state does not eliminate the PLO’s role as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinians, but it will enhance its ability to solve Palestinians’ issues wherever they are. This is because the organization is very important to the Palestinians, and thus the PLO must be kept and supported,” added Mahfouz.

He called on the Arab and international community to support Palestinian efforts and recognize the Palestinian state, not only as a Palestinian need, but as a regional and international need to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the area and the world.

R.Q./F.J.