Dr. Ashrawi meets with J Street leadership delegation

PLO Executive Committee member Dr. Hanan Ashrawi addressed a visiting J Street leadership delegation that was led by its Founder and President, Jeremy Ben-Ami. This was part of a series of meetings with Palestinian officials that was conducted at the PLO Headquarters in Ramallah, Palestine.

Dr. Ashrawi briefed the J Street delegation on the latest political developments, the ongoing negotiations, and Israel’s violations of international law and their impact on prospects for peace and on the region. The discussion also covered issues of mutual concern.

“Israel is willfully sabotaging U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry’s efforts and using the negotiations as a cover to continue with its illegal settlement activities, particularly in and around Jerusalem, and the theft of Palestinian lands and resources, among other violations. For any agreement to succeed, it has to be firmly embedded in international law, and it must safeguard fundamental Palestinian rights, foremost which is the right to self-determination,” stressed Dr. Ashrawi.

“The Jewish American community, particularly as represented by J Street, faces the dual challenge of influencing both the U.S. administration and the hardline and extremist Israeli government; for there to be peace and stability, we must move rapidly.”

“For any peace agreement to succeed, it must include the minimal requirements for justice, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, a just solution to the Palestinian refugee question based on UNGA Resolution 194, the cessation of settlement activities and the beginning of the dismantlement of settlements and outposts, and the implementation of the Palestinian people’s inalienable rights to freedom and sovereignty,” concluded Dr. Ashrawi.

In addition, Dr. Ashrawi answered questions on the BDS movement, future Palestinian initiatives, and Palestinian political realities.

ENDS

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