Arab MKs seek Africa's support for PA bid

Knesset members Sarsur, Tibi and Swaid ask African delegates to support Palestinian bid for UN recognition in September

Moran Azulay|Published: 08.25.11 , 17:03

The Palestinian Authority continues in its attempts to rally support for its United Nations bid for statehood in September, and is currently focusing its efforts on the UN's African lobby.

Knesset members Ibrahim Sarsur and Ahmad Tibi (United Arab List-Ta'al), and MK Hanna Swaid (Hadash) met on Thursday with a dozen delegates from African countries and urged them to back the PA's bid for recognition in the UN.

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The three held the meeting contrary to the government's position. The Israeli government has been investing considerable efforts in trying to thwart the Palestinian plan.

"The African nations have suffered from oppression and occupation and have had to fight for freedom and justice," MK Tibi said. "Their support of the Palestinian request has a moral effect."

Tibi further stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman were "misleading the world" and urged the African nations "not to give into their pressure."

MK Sarsur told the African delegates that their backing was "crucial, if we are to see overall support in September."

MK Swaid added that "The support of the African nations is of the utmost importance."

The African ambassadors reportedly agreed to recommend to their governments to support the bid.

Tibi, who also met with the South African Ambassador in private, said that Thursday's meeting represented only the first steps vis-à-vis foreign delegates: "We are motivated by our convictions. That is the position we present in the Knesset and to foreign diplomats."