WASHINGTON, September 20, 2011 (WAFA) – The Palestinian people are ready for statehood and the opportunity to express their self-sufficiency, Tuesday said a press release by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC).

“The Palestinian people deserve the same human rights and opportunities as any other population- their suffering has endured for too long,” it said in a statement supporting Palestine’s bid to get membership in the United Nations.

Events at the United Nations this week involving Palestine’s bid for statehood will not by themselves mean a just peace and realization of Palestinian rights so long denied, but these events may lead to new and important possibilities, said ADC, a Washington-based civil rights and civil liberties organization.

“The path to statehood must be walked upon starting this moment, yet we remain cautious about the dangers we continue to face,” it said.

ADC said that “of greatest importance at this time, whatever the outcome of September 20th, are the urgent need to end Israel’s occupation, guarantee Palestinian citizens’ equal rights inside Israel, and implementing the Right of Return of Palestinian refugees.”

M.S.