Palestinian officials set to boost international public relations effort aimed at thwarting Israeli construction plans near Maaleh Adumim; PA Prime Minister Qureia: We won't agree to renounce Jerusalem and West Bank
The Palestinian Authority is set to launch an official campaign Sunday aimed at convincing the international community Israeli plans to construct new homes in the West Bank, and particularly near the settlement of Maaleh Adumim, would serve to undermine peace efforts.
Senior Palestinian officials have engaged in a series of contacts with international sources in recent days, including American and European officials. On Sunday, the PA is expected to hold a press conference on the matter and on Friday it plans to hold a tour for diplomats aimed at pointing out the dangers inherent in Israeli settlement expansion plans.
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Palestinian Cabinet Secretary Samir Huleileh told Ynet the Authority is highly concerned about Israeli construction plans.
"What is the message the Israeli government is sending the Palestinian side?" Huleileh asked, blasting Israel for boosting the number of West Bank settlers and expropriating Palestinian land.
Huleileh added the Palestinians have already contacted U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice over the matter and have also relayed a message to British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The PA is also expected to raise the matter with European Union envoy Javier Solana, scheduled to visit the area on Tuesday.
'Settlement expansion could lead to bloodshed'
According to Huleileh the message to be conveyed by PA representatives is that "we pledged to bring about a successful lull (in violence) and to facilitate a successful (Gaza) withdrawal while Israel acts to expand settlements. This is not the kind of conduct expected of someone interested in a successful diplomatic process."
Meanwhile, chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat sent a letter to various international elements warning against Israeli settlement expansion. In his letter, Erekat demanded that the international community intervene immediately in order to force Israel to renounce its construction plans.
Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia warned that West Bank settlement expansion could lead to renewed hostilities and bloodshed, and noted the number of West Bank settlers increased by about 10,000 since the beginning of the year.
"We won't agree to renounce Jerusalem and the West Bank in exchange for the (Gaza) Strip," he said.
The Palestinians are also concerned about President George W. Bush's call to establish a strong Palestinian government In Gaza. Qureia said the Palestinians are "rejecting the possibility of establishing a Palestinian State in the Gaza Strip. The Strip is part of the occupied territories and the Palestinian state must coexist alongside Israel within the 1967 borders."
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