Abbas slams Qureia accusations, welcomes ex-officials back into fold
Published yesterday (updated) 13/08/2009 22:08
www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=218796

Bethlehem - Ma'an - The "Fatah movement will face any split" Palestinian
President Mahmoud Abbas said at a press conference one day after the
controversial announcement of the 19 elected members of the Central
Committee for the party.

Speaking from the presidential compound in Ramallah, Abbas praised the
integrity of the elections, following accusations from ousted Central
Committee member Ahmad Qureia and on-the-outs Fatah member Farouq Qaddoumi
that the elections were "unclean" and the conference rigged.

The vociferous rejection by Qureia of the election results, coupled with
uncertainty around the Gaza delegates' reaction to what some say is a lack
of representation on the Central Committee, and Qaddoumi's rejection of the
conference entirely, have lead to questions around a possible split in the
party.

Responding to the possibility Abbas said "Fatah cannot have a split Abu à la
Quriea ; we will not even think about it." Abbas dismissed the leader's
comments saying "he has every right to say what he wants," and offered a
conciliatory mention that "those who failed in these elections will find
their places in other departments inside the movement."

Much of Abbas' speech was, in fact, conciliatory. At one point he addressed
ousted Central Committee members Ahmad Quriea, Intisar Al-Wazir, Nasser
Yousef, and Hakam Balawi, and praised them for the historical role they
played in the party and the difference they have made to Fatah.

Fatah's commitments

On the immediate focus for the party Abbas outlined the party's commitment
to the Arab Peace Initiative, and an immediate end to the Israeli occupation
of areas in the 1967 borders. He reiterated Fatah's commitment to realizing
UN resolutions 194 and 262, and to securing a Palestinian state with
Jerusalem as its capital.

A Palestinian state, he added, would include all of the prisoners currently
in Israeli facilities, which he said would be a precondition to show Israeli
seriousness and commitment to the process. "Palestinians are sticking to the
legitimate resistance option under the international law," he also stressed.

Abbas said he would reject any offer of a Palestinian state with temporary
boundaries, forced resettlement of Palestinians or suggestions for an
"alternative homeland" saying, "we do not have a home land but this one, we
will not give it up at whatever sacrifices we have to offer."

Arab countries support Fatah and the Palestinian Authority, Abbas stated,
noting he would make use of the Arab support to increase pressure on Israel
to come to a just solution. He also noted he had no problem with a
relationship with Iran, saying he welcomed the idea.