Dr. Ashrawi denounces Israeli reports that Palestinians agreed to settlement expansion in exchange for prisoners’ release
PRESS RELEASE
PLO Executive Committee
Department of Culture and Information
October 25, 2013
Dr. Ashrawi denounces Israeli reports that Palestinians agreed to settlement expansion in exchange for prisoners’ release
Today PLO Executive Committee member Dr. Hanan Ashrawi vehemently denied Israeli reports that with every group of prisoners released, the Israeli government would issue permits for more settlement units:
“Such reports are fabricated and malicious; the Palestinian side never agreed to such an exchange; on the contrary, Palestinian prisoners should have been released in compliance with earlier signed agreements. The only linkage with the release of prisoners that the President approved is in delaying the pursuit of UN membership in international agencies and organizations.”
Dr. Ashrawi stressed, “It is evident that this extremist Israeli coalition government is attempting to sell internal deals at the expense of Palestinian rights and strategic requirements for peace. All settlements are illegal despite their location and Israeli specifications. We will not be made to pay the price of domestic Israeli political manipulation and coalition politics.”
“Once again Israel must cease and desist from violating international law and the requirements of peace,” concluded Dr. Ashrawi.
To access this press release on the PLO DCI website, please click here.