Abbas Zaki, a member of the Fatah Central Council, recently stated on Al Jazeera in Arabic, the following, which was translated into English by MEMRI: “The settlement should be based on the borders of June 4, 1967 (“Arab Media Says What U.S. Media Won’t,” The Edge of Town, Oct. 21). When we say that the settlement should be based upon these borders, President (Abbas) understands, we understand, and everybody knows that the greater goal cannot be accomplished in one go.” “If one says that one wants to wipe Israel out … Come on, it’s too difficult. It’s not (acceptable) policy to say so. Don’t say these things to the world. Keep it to yourself.”
Zaki’s statements are not wild talking by just one Palestinian leader; it is the mindset of the Palestinian leadership. The Palestinian National Council in its June 9, 1974 Resolution (Clause 2) declared exactly the same concept.
It said: “The Liberation Organization will employ all means, and first and foremost armed struggle, to liberate Palestinian territory and to establish the independent combatant national authority for the people over every part of Palestinian territory that is liberated. This will require further changes being effected in the balance of power in favor of our people and their struggle.”
The Quartet should tell Abbas to express his opinion of Zaki’s statements in Arabic to the Palestinian public.
Palm Beach, Fla.
The New York Jewish Week brings you the stories behind the headlines, keeping you connected to Jewish life in New York. Help sustain the reporting you trust by donating today.
