Gaza factions slam Abed Rabbo comments

[oberliner]

GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Palestinian factions convening in Gaza City on Saturday denounced comments made by PLO Secretary-General Yasser Abed Rabbo on recognizing Israel as a Jewish state if the US were to present a map of the Palestinian state on 1967 borders.

Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine politburo member Jamil Muzhir said conveners agreed that "any declaration harming Palestinian inalienable principles with be condemned, whether they come from PLO officials or others."

The official, whose party called the meeting, further said factions called for punishment of those "who utter such comments, which harm the Palestinian struggle."

He also said parties believed Israel's attempts "to trick" Palestinian leaders into recognizing Israel as a Jewish state was like "embezzlement."

On Wednesday, Abed Rabbo denied speaking with Israeli daily Haaretz where he reportedly said "any formulation" presented by the US would be agreed to so long as the Palestinian state was established on 1967 borders.

http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=324869

This refers back to a post with the original remarks:

PLO chief: We will recognize Israel in return for 1967 borders

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=124&topic_id=335402&mesg_id=335402

[azurnoir]

1. I think stories about Abed Rabbo's remarks came from this

PLO official: We reject Jewish state proposal

Abu Yusuf's remarks came after PLO secretary-general Yasser Abed Rabbo called on Israel and the US to provide a map of Israel's borders before "asking anything else."

Abed Rabbo told Ma'an that "Israel is an unknown entity in terms of borders how does it suggest we recognize it as a Jewish state? Israel and the US should first set out Israel's borders."

The PLO official further denied speaking with the Israeli daily Haaretz, to which he reportedly said, "If the map will be based on the 1967 borders and will not include our land, our houses and East Jerusalem, we will be willing to recognize Israel according to the formulation of the government within the hour."

According to the daily, Abed Rabbo said, "Any formulation the Americans present -- even asking us to call Israel the 'Chinese State' -- we will agree to it, as long as we receive the 1967 borders. We have recognized Israel in the past, but Israel has not recognized the Palestinian state."

However, Abed Rabbo said he had only spoken with Agence France-Presse over the issue.

http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=323908

As for myself Hamas is po'd because they are being further marginalized, no one asked them to "play" so to speak, which gives me concern not for Hamas but the people of Gaza because what seems to be developing here is an East-West Pakistan sort of deal. which while the details in this case are different still did not work out to well for East Pakistan and will not IMO work out too well for the people of Gaza either

There is alot of he said/he said and "reportedly said" stuff flying around here, however just 'cause I'm here and already posting there is also this from Maan which IMO hits the nail on the head

Abbas: Netanyahu fears govt collapse

President Mahmoud Abbas said Sunday that Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu told him he could not extend the settlement moratorium "because he fears his government might collapse."

In an interview with Israel's Channel 1, Abbas further said "the government isn't more valuable than peace, neither is it more valuable than the future of both peoples."

Asked if he would dissolve the Palestinian Authority if negotiations failed -- a point the president brought up during the Arab League meeting last week -- Abbas said "the choice hasn't been considered. However, all choices are open. Israel currently occupied Palestinian land but without bearing any responsibility."

The president further said the PA would not recognize Israel as a Jewish state. "We recognize Israel. But if you want to be recognized as a Jewish state, that is your own choice. However, you cant ask Egypt, Jordan and the rest of the world for such recognition.

http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=325116