Israeli obstruction of Jerusalem conference condemned

Jerusalem 16 March 2006: Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) members for the Third Way block, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi and Dr. Salam Fayyad, view with grave concern Israels continued prevention and obstruction of Palestinian political and institutional life in occupied Arab east Jerusalem.

This morning, Israeli security forces surrounded and raided the Ambassador Hotel in east Jerusalem, where a conference planned by civil society organizations had been scheduled to take place. The conference, entitled "The Implications of the Palestinian Legislative Council Elections on the Palestinian Political Setting: Towards a Comprehensive Plan to Save Jerusalem," included participants from all segments of Palestinian civil society and the various Palestinian political forces. The Israeli intelligence services subsequently arrested several participants, including PLC members, and distributed summons orders for further investigation to some of the organizations and participants present. According to the Israeli authorities, their prevention of this conference is based on their opposition to any Palestinian political activity in the city.

The Third Way condemns Israels obstruction of such events, and reaffirms the right of the Palestinian people to carry out social, economic, and political activities aimed at promoting the Palestinian nation-building process. Any attempt by the Israeli government to obstruct such activities is a blatant violation of signed agreements and a clear demonstration of Israels premeditated policy of isolating Jerusalem from the rest of the occupied Palestinian territories.

In particular, Israels repeated closure of Palestinian institutions in east Jerusalem since 2001, including the Orient House, is a direct violation of the pledges made in the letter sent on 11 October 1993 by then-Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres to the Norwegian Foreign Minister. In his letter, Peres assures the Norwegian Foreign Minister at the time, Mr. Johan Jorgen Holst, that Palestinian institutions of East Jerusalem and the interests and well-being of the Palestinians of East Jerusalem are of great importance and will be preserved. Therefore, all the Palestinian institutions of East Jerusalem, including the economic, social, educational, cultural, and the holy Christian and Moslem places, are performing an essential task for the Palestinian population. Needless to say, we will not hamper their activity; on the contrary, the fulfillment of this important mission is to be encouraged.

The Third Way calls for the reopening of all Palestinian institutions in Jerusalem and urges the international community to take immediate steps in order to pressure Israel to abide by the minimal standards of freedom of expression and the right to freedom of assembly. Equally, the Third Way cautions that Israels destructive policy of preventing Palestinian social and economic development in east Jerusalem pre-empts the outcome of permanent status negotiations, and undermines the chances of resuming Palestinian-Israeli political dialogue altogether. Finally, the Third Way reaffirms that Palestinian institutions in east Jerusalem are a key element in sustaining and promoting the wellbeing of Palestinian Jerusalemites, who are an integral part of Palestinian society.

Website: http://www.thirdway.ps/en/index.html