Free Palestine - The Struggle

[Federate]

Re: Free Palestine - The Struggle

It's like Turkey being the sole mediator in the Karabakh negotiations...

Indeed! It's pretty ridiculous They really need to re-think their negotiations strategy.

In other news, it seems J3ws are promoting so-called "conspiracy theories" of J3ws having connections . If anyone else accused them of "having connections" with "decision makers", they'd all be labeled "anti-semite conspiracy theorists" .
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Israel's UN ambassador tells U.S. xxxs: Prepare for September vote on Palestinian state
Ron Prosor urges leaders at closed session of the Conference of Presidents of major xxxish American Organizations to use connections to stop upcoming UN vote.
By Shlomo Shamir

Israel's new ambassador to the United Nations Ron Prosor urged xxxish American leaders on Monday to form a clear and operational plan ahead of the United Nations vote in September regarding unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.

During a closed meeting of the Conference of Presidents of major xxxish American Organizations in New York, Prosor said that talk was not enough at such a crucial time, and that the U.S. xxxish community must prepare a clear operational plan.

In an unconventional appeal for unity, the new ambassador, who started serving as Israel's UN envoy less than a week ago, urged the xxxish leaders to work together despite their differences ahead of the September vote.

Prosor stressed before the xxxish leaders that they must take advantage of the xxxish community's connections with decision makers in order to get results.

Prosor also said that regardless of the outcome of the UN vote, a Palestinian state will not be created and added that the UN is not authorized to dictate borders between countries. He stressed that a unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state will bring about another cycle of violence that will only lead to a dead end.

Least week Prosor said that the September vote was at the center of the Israeli delegation's life.

"The mission regarding the unilateral declaration is one heck of a challenge, but I believe the chances of the declaration to succeed are actually very small. It will only bring things back and take nothing forward; I say that as the director general of the Foreign Ministry during the disengagement from Gaza. Unilateral moves are not constructive," Prosor said after his first day on the job, emphasizing that there was still time to act before the vote.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-s-un-ambassador-tells-u-s-xxxs-prepare-for-september-vote-on-palestinian-state-1.368773

[Mos]

Re: Free Palestine - The Struggle

xxxs in US are highly organised, and intertwined. There's no disputing that.

[Federate]

Re: Free Palestine - The Struggle

ARF stands by Palestine’s side


05:54 pm | Today | Politics


The delegation of the Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fath) today visited the ARF "Kristapor Mikayelyan" Center as part of the working visit to Armenia.

ARF Bureau member Levon Mkrtchyan greeted the delegates, touched upon the Armenian-Arab warm relations, the ARF's positive stance on the Palestinians' just struggle and the close ties between the ARF and Fath, especially within Socintern.

During the meeting, Fath International Affairs Coordinator Nabil Shaas noted that the Fath has the desire to open embassies in both countries. He also presented the ARF representatives with the current stage of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and mentioned that in September, Palestine would appeal to the UN with the request for recognizing its independence. Levon Mkrtchyan mentioned that the ARF was ready to support the Palestinians' just struggle at the international level.

The sides also touched upon the current state of negotiations over the Artsakh issue, issues related to the rights of Armenians in Palestine and Jerusalem, as well as the opportunities for strengthening cooperation between the two political parties.

Nabil Shaas officially invited the ARF representatives to Palestine.

Information provided by ARF Press Divan

http://www.a1plus.am/en/politics/2011/06/21/palestina

[Mos]

Re: Free Palestine - The Struggle

ARF stands by Palestine’s side


05:54 pm | Today | Politics


The delegation of the Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fath) today visited the ARF "Kristapor Mikayelyan" Center as part of the working visit to Armenia.

ARF Bureau member Levon Mkrtchyan greeted the delegates, touched upon the Armenian-Arab warm relations, the ARF's positive stance on the Palestinians' just struggle and the close ties between the ARF and Fath, especially within Socintern.

During the meeting, Fath International Affairs Coordinator Nabil Shaas noted that the Fath has the desire to open embassies in both countries. He also presented the ARF representatives with the current stage of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and mentioned that in September, Palestine would appeal to the UN with the request for recognizing its independence. Levon Mkrtchyan mentioned that the ARF was ready to support the Palestinians' just struggle at the international level.

The sides also touched upon the current state of negotiations over the Artsakh issue, issues related to the rights of Armenians in Palestine and Jerusalem, as well as the opportunities for strengthening cooperation between the two political parties.

Nabil Shaas officially invited the ARF representatives to Palestine.

Information provided by ARF Press Divan

http://www.a1plus.am/en/politics/2011/06/21/palestina

Not surprised, ARF historically has had good relations with Palestinians given its heavy connection to the Armenian community of Lebanon. Though what's more important is what the ruling party's stance is, which I would think would be more milder.

[Federate]

Re: Free Palestine - The Struggle

The Fatah delegation visited Tsitsernakaberd Such great news.

http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/photoset/340/2087

[Federate]

Re: Free Palestine - The Struggle

Palestine hopes to enlist Armenia’s support in independence recognition



On June 20 Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan received the head of the Department of International Relations of the Palestinian movement, Fatah, former Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath.

Earlier, Palestinian news agency Maan reported that the purpose of the visit was to enlist the support of Armenia in the matter of the United Nations declaration on Palestinian independence.

This issue was actually discussed during the meetings with both the foreign minister of Armenia and representatives of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun) with whom Fatah is friendly through Socintern.

In September Palestine is going to apply to the United Nations for the recognition of its independence. That the U.S. may support Palestine was last month stated by American President Barack Obama. The matter concerns the 1967 borders, with some “adjustments” and now Israel is trying to do everything for part of Jerusalem to be included in these “adjustments”.

Armenia is connected with the Palestinian issue in many aspects. First of all, the presence of the Karabakh problem, whose solution is also being forced by the international community. The recognition of Palestine will become another precedent for the realization of the right to self-determination, and it would be difficult for the world community to persuade the Armenian side that only in Karabakh this right cannot be implemented or can be implemented partially.

Besides, Armenia’s attitude towards the Palestinian issue impacts the position of the Arab world on the Karabakh issue. In spite of Muslim solidarity, the Arab League does not provide unequivocal support for Azerbaijan in the Karabakh issue.

Nalbandyan noted that the relations between Armenia and Arab countries are developing dynamically. He said that the president of Armenia was one of the first in 2000 to pay an official visit to Ramallah and meet with the leadership of the Palestinian Authority.

“We welcome the initiatives which are aimed at a fair and compromise-based solution to existing problems,” stressed the minister.

Shaath outlined the processes taking place before the vote at the UN General Assembly on the recognition of Palestine’s independence and asked Armenia for support in the process of the declaration of Palestine’s independence.

In early May, a Dashnaktsutyun delegation visited Ramallah and on June 21 representatives of the Palestinian Fatah movement met with Dashnak representatives in Yerevan.

Shaath said they would like to see an exchange of embassies in Palestine and Armenia.

The delegation visited Tsitsernakaberd and paid tribute to the victims of the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey.

The same day, Israel’s Ministerial Committee on Legislation refused to accept the bill of Professor Aryeh Eldad (Ichud Leumi) on the introduction of the Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide, reported IzRus.co.il. The MP suggested that every year on April 24 tragic events of 1915 be told about in schools. He urged the government “not to be afraid of Turkey” and recognize the Armenian Genocide. “I will raise this issue at the plenary session of the Knesset,” said the lawmaker. He noted that the initiative stood little chance [of passing]: “But I want the government to explain in front of all why it votes against recognition,” he said.

On May 31, Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin decided that the Israeli parliament will hold an annual meeting devoted to the events of 1915.

http://armenianow.com/news/30533/palestine_armenia_relations_independence_recognition

[Mos]

Re: Free Palestine - The Struggle

.....

Armenia supports Palestine’s demand of statehood – chief negotiator




June 24, 2011 | 01:22
Armenia will be supportive to the Palestinian people’s demands of freedom, independence and statehood, said Palestinian chief negotiator, member of Fatah party Nabil Shaath.

In a statement following his visit to Armenia and meetings with Armenian leadership, Shaath stressed he had discussed the Palestinian plan to gain UN support for statehood, Ma’an agency reports.

Nabil Shaath said he felt obvious support in Yerevan to the Palestinians’ cause at both official and popular levels.

[Mos]

Re: Free Palestine - The Struggle

If I were the Palestinians I would stay away from Azerbaijan given they are close military buddies with Israel...

Sun 26 June 2011 07:00 GMT | 3:00 Local Time

Mahmoud Abbas
President of the Palestinian National Authority to visit Azerbaijan,
President of the Palestinian Autonomy Mahmoud Abbas will visit Azerbaijan on June 28, APA reports quoting the Palestinian embassy to Azerbaijan.

During the two-day visit, the Palestinian leader will hold talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and other officials. Mahmoud Abbas is visiting Baku by Ilham Aliyev’s invitation.
During the talks, the parties will discuss the ways of development of bilateral relations, the current situation in the Middle East, and will have exchange of views on other issues of interest.

[Mos]

Re: Free Palestine - The Struggle

The close ally of Israel...

Aliyev: Azerbaijan supports Palestine's independence

June 29, 2011 - 15:54 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Azerbaijan supports the independence of the State of Palestine, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated.
As he stressed upon completion of talks with the President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas, “we believe that an independent, sovereign State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, will be soon created. We defend this position now and we will further support it at all international organizations. This, on the one hand, is our fraternal duty. On the other hand, this position was established on the basis of the international law.”
“You and we have common problems,” President Abbas stated, in turn, noting that “Azeri lands are also occupied.”
President Abbas commented on Kazan meeting, “We observed the position of Russia, France and the U.S. in addressing this problem,” he said. “This is evidence to the world’s interest towards the issue. But, we say that it is better to solve these problems today than tomorrow. Because, no one can guarantee that they will be resolved tomorrow. We hope that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict will be settled. We do not require anything extra of the international law. We have common problems. We want them to be settled. We hope that peace established on these lands for the people of the world to live in peace and tranquillity,” Trend News quoted President Abbas as saying.

[KanadaHye]

Re: Free Palestine - The Struggle

This is what happens when your country is held hostage by Zionist banksters. Greece is held at the mercy of the IMF and their insurmountable debt has sunk Greece lower than low can go as their coast guard is forced to cooperate with Israel and stop a Canadian ship from yet another aid mission to Gaza.

Gaza-bound ship tries to flee Greece

Athens, Greece (CNN) -- One of the ships in a Gaza-bound flotilla blocked by Greece tried to flee on Monday and was stopped by the Greek coast guard.

Greece called for the immediate arrest of the ship's captain, but organizers on the ship insisted they no longer had a captain.

The Canadian ship, the Tahrir, issued a statement earlier saying it was "casting off from Greece."

"The Tahrir is leaving port in Crete, and we are breaking through Israel's Gaza blockade which now extends to Greek ports," organizer David Heap said in the statement.

The ship's official Twitter feed carried a tweet from a journalist on board, Jim Rankin, saying kayakers were blocking the coast guard, and the Canadian boat had left the harbor.


Gaza-bound flotilla blocked

Minutes later, the ship tweeted, "We got about 5km (3.1 miles) away from shore. Greek authorities have taken over the boat and appear to be heading back to port."

Rankin tweeted that no one was injured in the Greek takeover of the boat, and delegates were "non violent in blocking wheel house."

The Greek coast guard issued a statement saying, "The Tahrir tried to leave the port of Agios Nikolaos in Crete without permission. The coast guard has intercepted the ship and it is now being taken back to the port. As a result the prosecutor's office has already asked for the immediate arrest of the captain. It is not clear if this will be extended to other passengers on board. There are an estimated 40 people aboard the ship."

But the ship tweeted, "We left port without a captain. We released captain and crew from contract and sailed under control of international volunteers." No further details were given.

"Our boat is surrounded by Greek police, tied up at port. Supporters from town are chanting, 'Free Gaza, Free Greece'," the ship tweeted.

The Tahrir was brought to the port of Agios Nikolaos on the Greek island of Crete.

The Tahrir is one of 10 ships trying to head to Gaza despite Israel's maritime blockade.

Last week, the Greek coast guard intercepted a U.S. ship in the flotilla, the Audacity of Hope, about 10 minutes after it left Perama, triggering an hours-long standoff.

The ship -- full of actvists but no humanitarian aid -- was ultimately tied up at a Greek naval facility, and its captain, John Klusmire, was arrested. The coast guard said Klusmire had left the mainland without permission and put passengers in danger. He will appear before Greek prosecutors on Tuesday.

Greece's government offered Sunday to ship aid to Gaza -- a move the U.N. chief applauded but protest organizers and Palestinian authorities derided as insufficient.

Greece's foreign ministry released a statement Sunday afternoon in which it proposed to "undertake the task of transporting the humanitarian aid, with Greek vessels or other appropriate means, through existing channels."

Foreign Minister Stavros Lambrinidis talked by phone with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who thanked Greece and expressed support for the initiative, according to a U.N. statement.

"In his view, it could help to reduce tensions in the region and ensure much-needed aid is delivered to those who need it in Gaza," the U.N. statement said of Ban's views, adding the world body will "work closely with Greece, Israel and Palestinian authorities on this matter."

But Chief Palestinian Negotiator Saeb Erakat said that funneling food, cement and other goods via other means, such as Greek ships, missed the point, which he said is to "immediately lift, not ease" Israel's maritime blockade of Gaza. He lauded those behind the flotilla as people "who have dedicated their time, effort and passion for a just cause."

Israel says its blockade is necessary to try to halt the shipment of weapons into Gaza. Militants in Gaza have launched numerous deadly attacks against Israelis. The territory is run by Hamas, which has carried out dozens of terrorist attacks and is listed by the United States as a terrorist organization.

Israel also emphasizes that it delivers large amounts of aid to Gaza. The country has mounted a diplomatic offensive to try to stop the flotilla from setting sail.

The Israeli government said flotilla participants had threatened to kill Israeli military personnel should their boats be boarded. Israeli officials alleged that the participants were stockpiling sacks of sulfuric acid on boats to be used in the event of any attacks on Israeli commandos.

Flotilla organizer Medea Benjamin dismissed the allegations as ludicrous, saying, "They see this nonviolent, ragtag group of ships as such a threat they're using their entire propaganda apparatus, and their diplomatic and economic clout to try to stop 300 peace activists. It's pathetic."

The Middle East Quartet -- composed of officials from the United States, United Nations, European Union and Russia -- issued a statement asking "all governments concerned to use their influence to discourage additional flotillas, which risk the safety of their participants and carry the potential for escalation."

The Quartet added that it "strongly urges all those wishing to deliver goods to the people of Gaza to do so through established channels, so that their cargo can be inspected and transferred via established land crossings." Doing so, the group contends, is the best way to both help Palestinians and address Israel's "legitimate security concerns."

Erakat said that while Palestinian leaders "support international engagement in lifting the unjust and inhumane Israeli blockade," the Quartet's statement and their opposition to the planned flotilla to Gaza skirt the broader challenges in the region.

"We invite them to focus on resolving the root cause of the conflict, which is the occupation, rather than seeking ways to manage its destructive symptoms." Erakat said.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/...html?hpt=hp_t2