Fatah: going to UN a strategic direction

Fatah spokesman Osama Qawasmi said Thursday that the Palestinian leadership’s bid to the United Nations is not a tactic or a maneuver but a strategic direction. In a press statement issued by Fatah’s media office, Qawasmi said the UN step comes after the blockage of political horizons for the peace process due to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s settlement policy, and the refusal of his government to honor international law and legitimacy as a base for negotiations. Qawasmi added that approaching the UN comes to enhance the chances of a fair peace in the region and protect it from the extremist policies of the Israeli government. He said the bid to the UN is not a unilateral move and does not conflict with any international efforts aiming to resume negotiations on clear bases, that are acceptable to Palestinians and in accordance with signed agreements and international law. He stressed Fatah's complete refusal to enter negotiations with the Israeli government if it does not clearly state its willingness to withdraw from land occupied in 1967, especially East Jerusalem, and the complete cessation of all settlement activities and acceptance of relevant international decisions.