Turkish Forum

Category: Palestinian N.A.

Palestinian National Authority

  • Dear Mr. Kerry and Mr. Erdogan: Shut Up

    Dear Mr. Kerry and Mr. Erdogan: Shut Up

    by Suzan Boulad (Syria)

    Dear Mr. Secretary of State John Kerry and Mr. Prime Minister Recip Tayyib Erdogan,

    It is perhaps not with the utmost respect but with some respect when I sincerely ask of you both to just shut up.

    Lately Mr. Kerry, you’ve managed to baptize your new term as Secretary of State with a a few headlines about how you gave Mr. Erdogan a stern talking to. You see, Mr. Erdogan committed a faux pas when he declared that Zionism was a crime against humanity, words which personally resonate with my support of the Palestinian people. (We’ve heard lots of great words from Turkey before, though, without nearly as many actions) But as Israel’s unilateral ally, the United States could not let these scary words go unanswered, and thus Mr. Kerry scolded Turkey, and by the way, the cameras caught your good side.

    Mr. Erdogan, I’m sure you’ve been enjoying some cameras yourself. Such a strong, noble leader, taking a stand against the Middle East’s biggest bully in support of Palestinian rights. It’s funny that you should mention Palestinian rights.

    Lately a protest was suppressed in Palestine violently using water cannons and tear gas, and many people were arrested. Palestinian politicians were also attacked by racist Israelis hurling stones and epithets at these distinguished figures. Palestinians are wasting away in Israeli prisons, charged unjustly and with little hope of release.

    Oh wait.

    That’s in Turkey. And those are Kurds, not Palestinians.

    Of course, Palestinians are also suffering from all of these things, and this is not to compare two long and hard struggles for justice for two peoples. This isn’t to pit Palestinian vs. Kurd, but to reveal you, Mr. Erdogan, for the hypocrite you are. Because these injustices that you condemn when they happen to a Palestinian, also happen on a regular basis right under your nose and with your blessing to the Kurds. So, it’s great that you think you’re this wonderful protector of human rights, but I recommend looking a little closer to home. I know of a few cases of human rights abuses that should appeal to your philanthropic side.

    As for you, Mr. Kerry, well. In your rush to take a strong stance against Turkey you seem to have forgotten that it is your government’s policy to support Turkey when it comes to certain interests, such as “fighting terrorism” and “surveillance”. In fact, it was your government’s assistance that helped Turkey “fight terrorism” when they slaughtered 34 innocent civilians in December of 2011 in the Roboski Massacre, using U.S. sponsored surveillance drones.

    And so, Mr. Kerry, forgive me if I don’t take your umbrage at Turkey’s comments too seriously. You and I both know that Turkey is a valuable ally to the U.S., even if it accidentally says something too strongly in the way of human rights and justice.

    So lets summarize these events, shall we? Mr. Erdogan calls Zionism a crime against humanity, then acts completely oblivious towards his own crimes. Israel gets its feathers ruffled and the U.S. via Mr. Kerry rushes to defend it bravely, while continuing to supply Turkey with weapons. Meetings are held, diplomats are soothed, and a lot of talking happens.

    And in the meantime, Palestinians and Kurds continue to suffer.

    Thank you for your time, Mr. Kerry and Erdogan,

    Sincerely,

    Suzan.

    via Dear Mr. Kerry and Mr. Erdogan: Shut Up | Alliance for Kurdish Rights.

  • Palestinian and Israeli people want peace

    Palestinian and Israeli people want peace

    Палестина посол

     

     

     

     

    Gulnara Inandzh,

     

    Director of Information and Analytical Center Ethnoglobus (ethnoglobus.az),

    editor of  Russian section of  Turkishnews American-Turkish Resource website www.turkishnews.com  ,

    Head of  Representative Office of  Lev Gumilev Center of Russia in Azerbaijan.  

     

    After the parliamentary elections held in Israel there are hopeful statements by Tel Aviv’s officials on Palestine – Israel issue. Now there are hopes for restoration of peace negotiations which remains frozen for a long time. From now negotiations will be conducted under new conditions – with Palestine, a country awarded observer status at the United Nations.

    Palestinian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Naser Abdel Karim comments on the issue for turkishnews.com American-Turkish portal.

     

     

     -New Israeli PM and Foreign Minister agrees on recognition of independence of Palestine.But during previous period of Benjamin Netanyahu negotiations on Israel-Palestinian conflict was frozen. What is the reason that new Israeli government demonstrates interest in the settlement of the conflict?

     

    –         It is nice to hear news on recognition of Palestine as an independent state. But it would be better if it is connected with good will and be implemented seriously, without affecting already signed agreements and international treaties.

    Palestine Liberation Organization and State of Israel recognized each-other’s statehood in 1993. This statement doesn’t provide for objection to Palestine’sobserver status at the United Nations.

    However, Netanyahu government causes problem to recognition of State of Palestine.It is clear that for any just and comprehensive peace, independence of the State of Palestine should be recognized based on pre-1967 borders, including Eastern Quds, in accordance with resolutions under international legislation.

     

    -Israel government offers Mahmoud Abbas, Fatah movement leader, to mention in Arabic that Israel is the home to Jews against recognition of Palestine by Israel government. How do Palestine officials approach this statement?

     

    –         As I stressed above in my first answer, Netanyahu government continues laying down new conditions to already agreed problems. Palestine Liberation Organization already recognized Israel in 1993 and no Tel Aviv official has raised a question on the mentioned issue within these years.

    Netanyahu offered this condition, along with a number of others, to cause problem and delay negotiations. By the way, it is not the conclusion that we come but all the world leaders consider B.Netanyahu as non-serious.

    We want to return to the negations process which was frozen at the end of period of former PM Ehud Olmert. Negotiations should be conducted within some period and it should not be formal. At the same time, we want illegal settlement to be stopped in the invaded territories of Palestine. This is not the conditions offered by Palestine, but also the condition put before Israel which is provided by the Road Map agreement developed for solution of the conflict.

     

    -US President Barack Obama is expected to discuss the circumstances over the solution of the conflict during his visit to Israel. How do you think, what can the US offer?

     

    –         We hail Obama’s visit to the region. His visit shows that White House administration has important plans for both the countries regarding peace based on independence principles. But in order his visit to be effective for the region the US should use its position to have more pressure over Israel to cease settlement of Jews in the Eastern Quds and other Palestinian territories, while Tel Aviv should comply with the previously signed treaties. This should happen within the certain period. Negotiations depend on these treaties and international resolutions.

           

    -How is the notion of peacefully living with Jews accepted in Palestinian’s public thoughts?

     

    –         I guess that the people of Palestine, as well as, majority of Israelis want to achieve a peace and to put an end to the conflict. It is also proved by the survey carried out among the people of Palestine and Israel. State of Palestine wants to live in peace and friendship with its neighbor Israel based on pre-1967 borders, including Eastern Quds.

     

     

    -Former Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has said that Palestine cannot be recognized as an independent state. In Palestine, there are also radical powers which refuse to recognize Israel as a state and in that case how do you forecast the events?

     

    –         It is true that Mr. Lieberman represents the radical ideology being natural in Israel government. His party “Israel Is Our Home” is in coalition with B.Netanyahu’s “Likud” party. How can Foreign Minister use threat and digression methods, but Prime Minister refrains himself from reproaching him. A.Lieberman should make serious efforts to support for peace process by his statements.

    Despite radical minority in Palestine, president Mahmoud Abbas, Palestine Liberation Organization (Fatah) and State of Palestine have always insisted on compliance with peace principles. He has consistently tried to persuade radical powers in Palestine and achieved to get population’s opinion by stressing the necessity of achieving peace based on pre-1967 borders.

  • Meshaal Meets with Erdogan during Turkey Visit

    Meshaal Meets with Erdogan during Turkey Visit

    meshaal_erdogan_340_220Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal met with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during his visit to Ankara, sources said on Monday, 18 February.

    The Hamas information office said the delegation is expected to meet with a number of Turkish officials during the visit, headed by Meshaal, to Turkey.

    According to Palestinian news sources, Meshaal and Erdoğan discussed the recent situation in Gaza and other regional developments, including the festering Syrian conflict and the issue of national reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah, which continues to administer the West Bank.

    via Meshaal Meets with Erdogan during Turkey Visit.

  • Origins of Israel Palestinian Conflict – YouTube

    Origins of Israel Palestinian Conflict – YouTube

    The Israeli Arab conflict is the result of interactions of superpowers in the early 20th century. British and French strategic interests in the Middle East were related to the Mediterranean trading route, which went from the Suez channel to Indian markets. But the presence of the Ottoman navy based in the Levant was a direct threat to British interests. So the British and the French decided to divide the Middle East into smaller entities and countries to make it impossible for the Ottoman Empire to control them all. A century later, the legacy of European colonization of the Arab world is reflected by its many ongoing conflicts.

    via Origins of Israel Palestinian Conflict – YouTube.

  • Britain ready to back Palestinian statehood at UN

    Britain ready to back Palestinian statehood at UN

    Mahmoud Abbas pledge not to pursue Israel for war crimes and resumption of peace talks are UK conditions

    Ian Black, Middle East editor

    Palestinians hold posters
    Palestinians hold posters of President Mahmoud Abbas during a rally supporting the UN bid for observer state status, in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Photograph: APAimages/Rex Features

    Britain is prepared to back a key vote recognising Palestinian statehood at the United Nations if Mahmoud Abbas pledges not to pursue Israel for war crimes and to resume peace talks.

    Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, has called for Britain’s backing in part because of its historic responsibility for Palestine. The government has previously refused, citing strong US and Israeli objections and fears of long-term damage to prospects for negotiations.

    On Monday night, the government signalled it would change tack and vote yes if the Palestinians modified their application, which is to be debated by the UN general assembly in New York later this week. As a “non-member state”, Palestine would have the same status as the Vatican.

    Whitehall officials said the Palestinians were now being asked to refrain from applying for membership of the international criminal court or the international court of justice, which could both be used to pursue war crimes charges or other legal claims against Israel.

    Abbas is also being asked to commit to an immediate resumption of peace talks “without preconditions” with Israel. The third condition is that the general assembly’s resolution does not require the UN security council to follow suit.

    The US and Israel have both hinted at possible retaliation if the vote goes ahead. Congress could block payments to the Palestinian Authority and Israel might freeze tax revenues it transfers under the 1993 Oslo agreement or, worse, withdraw from the agreement altogether. It could also annex West Bank settlements. Britain’s position is that it wants to reduce the risk that such threats might be implemented and bolster Palestinian moderates.

    France has already signalled that it will vote yes on Thursday, and the long-awaited vote is certain to pass as 132 UN members have recognised the state of Palestine. Decisions by Germany, Spain and Britain are still pending and Palestinians would clearly prefer a united EU position as counterweight to the US.

    Willian Hague, the foreign secretary, discussed the issue on Monday with Abbas and the French foreign minister, Laurent Fabius, offiicals said.

    Palestinian sources said Hillary Clinton, the US secretary of state, raised the issue with Abbas at his Ramallah headquarters last week, shortly before a ceasefire was agreed in the Gaza Strip, as had Tony Blair, the Quartet envoy.

    Abbas has been widely seen to have been sidelined by his rivals in the Islamist movement Hamas, as well by his failure to win any concessions from Israel. Abbas, whose remit does not extend beyond the West Bank, hopes a strong yes vote will persuade Israel to return to talks after more than two years.

    Officals in Ramallah have opposed surrendering on the ICC issue so it can be used as a bargaining chip in future, but views are thought to be divided. Abbas said at the weekend: “We are going to the UN fully confident in our steps. We will have our rights because you are with us.”

    Leila Shaid, Palestine’s representative to the EU, said: “After everything that has happened in the Arab spring, Britain can’t pretend it is in favour of democracy in Libya, Syria and Egypt but accept the Palestinians continuing to live under occupation. As the former colonial power, Britain has a historic responsibility to Palestine. Britain is a very important country in the Middle East, it has extensive trade relations, and David Cameron should know he risks a popular backlash from Arab public opinion if he does not support us.”

    Palestinians have rejected the claim that they are acting unilaterally, calling the UN path “the ultimate expression of multilateralism”. Israel’s apparent opposition to unilateralism has not stopped it acting without agreement to build and expand settlements, they say.

    guardian.co.uk, 

  • ‫الذي لا تراه عن غزة في الأعلام – What you don’t see in media about Gaza‬‎ – YouTube

    ‫الذي لا تراه عن غزة في الأعلام – What you don’t see in media about Gaza‬‎ – YouTube

    الذي لا تراه عن غزة في الأعلام – What you don’t see in media about Gaza

    via ‫الذي لا تراه عن غزة في الأعلام – What you don’t see in media about Gaza‬‎ – YouTube.