RE: Abbas Says Israel Talks Will Continue http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/17/world/middleeast/17mideast.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&ref=middleeast&adxnnlx=1284721228-p8u+q9cEYqVUMq5xKCPfng
Dear Editor,
Good to hear that "Abbas Says Israel Talks Will Continue" as a negotiated end to the Israel/Palestine conflict creating a FULLY secular two state solution in line with international law and honoring basic human rights and real freedom on both sides of every border, is the only way that a just and lasting peace will become a reality for the many men, women and children currently harmed and tormented by continuing hostilities.
Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab
NOTES
ATFP Resources on Palestinian State and Institution Building
ATFP's unique collection of online resources on Palestinian state and institution building, including hundreds of relevant documents
ATFP's unique collection of online resources on Palestinian state and institution building, including hundreds of relevant documents
Middle East Peace Talks Statements
Official Statements of Heads of State from the Middle East Peace Talks
Official Statements of Heads of State from the Middle East Peace Talks
held in Washington DC, on September 2nd, 2010.
Refugees, Borders & Jerusalem... "Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home - so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm, or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world."Eleanor Roosevelt
Refugees, Borders & Jerusalem... "Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home - so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm, or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world."Eleanor Roosevelt
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RE: Israeli offices halt Web payments on Sabbath
http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2010/09/17/israeli_offices_halt_web_payments_on_sabbath/
Dear Editor,
Thank you for publishing the news concerning Israeli offices halting web payments on sabbath. Israel is obviously inching towards being a haven and an inspiration for religious extremists, and many generous but naive Americans are clueless as to what really is going on.
The vast majority of native non-Jewish Palestinians (including many Christians) have already been pushed out into forced exile, and Jews-preferred Israel refuses to respect the Palestinian refugees inalienable legal, moral and natural right to return to original homes and lands. Israel has also been making it impossible for a viable and sovereign Palestinian state to emerge.
Should we really be arming and empowering and praising a modern nation-state that has evicted and oppressed millions of indigenous people because they have been deemed the 'wrong' religion ? Surely a FULLY secular two state solution to end the Israel/Palestine conflict is the best way forward for everyone's sake. Otherwise institutionalized bigotry and injustice on both sides of Israel's ugly Apartheid wall will only grow more insidious and widespread.
Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab
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RE: Clinton turns history of controversial statements on Mideast into asset in talks http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/16/AR2010091602595.html?wpisrc=nl_cuzhead
Dear Editor,
Clinton's positive momentum for peace with the creation of a viable sovereign Palestinian state is not so much based on her diplomatic skills but on the fact the global information age has opened up the conversation and allowed people world wide to better see and understand the very real plight and suffering of the native non-Jewish population of historic Palestine: Clinton rides on an electronic tidal wave of documented facts combined with a growing awareness of the importance of respect for international law and basic human rights.... and real democracy.
A fully secular two state solution to end the Israel/Palestine conflict is in everyone's best interest- regardless of supposed race or religion. Let us hope that all involved in endorsing peace and progress for both Israel and Palestine realize the vital importance of FULLY honoring and respecting UN Resolution 194 from 1948, the Palestinian refugees very real right to return to original homes and lands.
Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab
NOTES
"Palestinian refugees must be given the option to exercise their right of return (as well as receive compensation for their losses arising from their dispossession and displacement) though refugees may prefer other options such as: (i) resettlement in third countries, (ii) resettlement in a newly independent Palestine (even though they originate from that part of Palestine which became Israel) or (iii) normalization of their legal status in the host country where they currently reside. What is important is that individual refugees decide for themselves which option they prefer – a decision must not be imposed upon them." http://www.plomission.us/index.php?page=core-issues-3
UN Resolution 194 from 1948 states that "The refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbours should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date, and that compensation should be paid for the property of those choosing not to return and for loss of or damage to property which, under principles of international law or in equity, should be made good by the Governments or authorities responsible"
The Arab Peace Initiative
1. Requests Israel to reconsider its policies and declare that a just peace is its strategic option as well.
2. Further calls upon Israel to affirm:
I- Full Israeli withdrawal from all the territories occupied since 1967, including the Syrian Golan Heights, to the June 4, 1967 lines as well as the remaining occupied Lebanese territories in the south of Lebanon.
II- Achievement of a just solution to the Palestinian refugee problem to be agreed upon in accordance with U.N. General Assembly Resolution 194.
III- The acceptance of the establishment of a sovereign independent Palestinian state on the Palestinian territories occupied since June 4, 1967 in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
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