Saadi and Tibi
EU's social democrats to cooperate with Arab-Israeli parties
A conference by the second largest political party in the European Union is inviting Arab-Israeli political leaders and rights organizations to speak before the European Parliament, raising awareness about Arab civil rights in Israel and strengthening their ties with the EU.
The Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), the second-largest political group in the European Parliament, has signed a cooperation agreement with the Arab Movement for Renewal faction (Ta'al) within the Joint List party, strengthening its relations with Israeli-Arab political parties.
The S&D will host a conference in Brussels on Monday and Tuesday under the banner of "Arab Palestinian Society in Israel."
MK Ahmad Tibi (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
Ta'al faction leader MK Ahmad Tibi and its secretary general, MK Osama Saadi, are set to speak at the conference, as well as Jafar Farah, director of the Mossawa Center—an advocacy center for Palestinian and Arab Israeli citizens, alongside S&D party leaders.
In addition to S&D, representatives of the European Green Party and the European United Left will also participate in the conference, and are mulling over the option of cooperating with Arab-Israeli parties.
The Arab-Israeli delegation is set to meet, among others, heads and members of committees in the Erupean Parliament, as well as the heads of the cabinet of Federica Mogherini, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
MK Osama Saadi (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
"The upgrade in our relations is a sign of recognition in the political power of Arab society and an understanding of our position in ending the conflict and nurturing peace," said Tibi.
"We will demand that the EU use shared agreements with Israel to protect the rights of the Arab minority. We will also demand an upgrade of their cooperation with public organization of Arab society, and present members of the (European—ed) parliament with (Israel's—ed) racist legislation," added Tibi.
Mossawa Center Director Jafar Farah said "the recognition of public organizations has also led to the understanding of the role of Arab political parties in Israel. We hope that the EU will make sure that Israel will keep its commitment to safeguard human rights."
MK Saadi said that he and Tibi also intend to raise the subject of the security prisoners' hunger strike.
(Translated & edited by Lior Mor)
