Democratic Palestine : 25 (ص 5)
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- Democratic Palestine : 25 (ص 5)
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Despite talk about cancelling the Amman accord
and closing the gate to Cairo, there are still
statements by Yasir Arafat and his political ad-
visor, praising the Egyptian regime. What is
your response? Do you think that the right wing in
the PLO will abide by the PNC’s decisions, or as
usual try to escape from them?
Undoubtedly, a number of statements have been made con-
tradictory to the PNC’s resolutions. Being represented in the
PLO’s highest organizational body, the Executive Committee,
we will raise this for discussion at the first meeting. The
resolutions of the PNC should be respected by all. I don’t think
these attempts will stop totally. This is common practice for
the Palestinian right wing. These statements are an attempt to
exploit the period separating one stage (division) from another
(total unity). In summary, I can say that in as much as the
previous period has affected us all, moving into a perfect
situation is an idealistic vision. This period can be a recovery
period that follows being seriously wounded and precedes be-
ing healthy. Such a period requires adhering to the adopted
resolutions... We certainly never doubted, whether during the
dialogue or the PNC, that there would be differences once na-
tional unity was achieved.
IMPOSING ADHERENCE TO RESOLUTIONS
The political and social differences in the Palestinian arena
will continue to be expressed in one way or another. Such dif-
ferences will sometimes take a dangerous direction. Our duty is
to curb this on the basis of the PLO’s unity. It is important to
understand that unity does not mean ending all conflicts over
political stands or practices or interpretations of these stands.
Our patriotic duty does not end with the declaration of the
political resolutions. We must work to impose adherence to
these resolutions and to improve the political and organiza-
tional situation of the PLO.
Several Palestinian organizations have taken a
position opposing the PNC resolutions. In addi-
tion, there are different evaluations of these
resolutions by every organization. How do you
characterize the post-PNC situation? What are the
prospects of a future consolidation of Palestinian
national unity?
Every Palestinian organization is free to express its views
concerning the PNC’s results. We should not obscure anyone’s
views that are based on their convictions. Every organization
undoubtedly expresses its convictions on the basis of
patriotism, regardless of whether this expression leads in a
positive direction. This is natural given the plurality of political
and social positions in the Palestinian arena which includes
both leftist and rightist poles. Undoubtedly the dilemma ex-
perienced by the PLO for years caused the accumulation of
negative consequences. Some of these were big, and we don’t
imagine that they will vanish in a few days. This needs time.
Therefore, we are opposed to imposing restrictions on any
organization’s freedom of expression.
With respect to the second part of your question, what was
achieved in Algiers was restoration of the PLO’s unity.
However, this achievement should not be viewed as everything.
We fear two mistakes in dealing with Palestinian affairs. The
first is playing down the value of the political and organiza-
tional achievements made. The second is ignoring those who did
not participate in the unification process. A great achievement
was made in restoring the PLO’s unity. Politically it was
achieved in favor of the entire Palestinian patriotic work, but it
needs consolidation and dialogue and positive relations bet-
ween the PLO leadership and all Palestinian organizations, in
particular those who did not participate in the unification pro-
cess. During the short Executive Committee meeting (held at
the end of the PNC session), this issue was discussed, and a
number of Palestinian leaders were charged with following up
the matter with our brothers in the other organizations.
CONFLICT WITHIN UNITY
The unity of the PLO has never obstructed any
organization’s freedom to express its own convictions. There
is, however, a qualitative difference between disputing on a
divided basis and disputing within a framework of unity. Our
experience has proved that conflicts aimed at improving our
struggle, not nihilistic conflicts, can contribute to the PLO’s
political and organizational development and its ability to
struggle. This is contrary to the division that brought nothing
but harm to all, aggravating the dilemma.
Comrade Abu Ali Mustafa interviewed by «Al Nida» journalist
This does not mean playing down the political differences
behind the PLO’s division. It does not mean saying that the-
differences were inconsequential and could have been resolved
by reasoning, etc. The differences represented two political
trends. One trend adheres to the national program and strug-
gles to achieve the program’s goals. The other trend bets on il-
lusive policies, thinking that they will achieve something, only
to discover that their course led to a dead end. This trend ag-
gravated the dilemma of those who advocated it, and ag-
gravated the dilemma of all Palestinian nationalists. We are all
required to extract the lessons. In the end, it was clear to all
that unity, rather than division, had the potential to protect the
PLO, the national program and our people’s struggle.
What is Libya’s real position on the PNC and its
resolutions?
Libya did not boycott the PNC. There was a Libyan
representative present, brother Ahmed Al Qaddafi. Moreover,
months before the convening of the PNC, Libya played a role
in the drive for Palestinian national unity. Libya’s role,
especially the efforts of Col. Moammer Qaddafi, had a »
5 - هو جزء من
- Democratic Palestine : 25
- تاريخ
- يوليو ١٩٨٧
- المنشئ
- الجبهة الشعبية لتحرير فلسطين
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