“We set out ... to look for realistic and attainable formulas that would settle the issue on the basis of possible rather than absolute justice ... Israels response to all this has been the escalation of its settlement and annexation schemes; the fanning of the flames of conflict with more destruction, devastation and bloodshed ... It is painful and regrettable that the American government alone should continue to back these aggressive and expansionist schemes as well as Israels continued occupation...” Yasser Arafat in his first address to the UNGA. Samah Sabawi points out in her FB post reproducing the quote,:Arafat “in that address wanted to settle along the partition plan before we moved on to the Green line...then the land swaps...” The partition plan gave about 45% of Palestine for an Arab state. The Green Line reduced it to about 22% of Palestine. The Israeli settlements, illegally built by Israel on this 22%, in violation of international law, reduces the land available to Palestinians to about 10% of the land they had before Israel was grafted on to Palestine. Yet, Israel continues to demand more and the US continues to support this demand “in consideration of Israel’s security needs”. !!!!!! Yasser Arafat, the leader of PLO, addressed the United Nations General Assembly for the first time on 13th. November 1974. His speech is known as The Olive Brach Speech of Arafat in the pages of history. Arafat became the first representative of a non-governmental organization to address a plenary session of the UN General Assembly. Arafat was also the first leader to address the UN while wearing a holster, although it did not contain a gun. Reproduced below is a video that is a part of a documentary, PLO History of a Revolution After this speech at the United Nations, the Palestine Liberation Organization was granted observer status and Palestines right to self-determination was recognized. David Albuquerque Samah Sabawi Sonja Karkar Anis Hamadeh Ahmad Aziz Jamil Darwish Razia Sowter Michael Sowter Cazz Sowter
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 22:04:31 +0000
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