Ramallah, 23-01-06: Independent Palestine reaffirmed its position as a truly democratic, viable alternative to Fatah and Hamas in a televised debate between leading candidates from all 11 lists, recorded yesterday in Ramallah.
The Coalition was represented by its top candidate, Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, whose confident and comprehensive responses to panellists’ questions set Independent Palestine apart from all other lists.
When asked what the Coalition’s immediate priorities would be within the Palestinian Legislative Council, Dr. Barghouthi responded that it would concentrate primarily on instituting the rule of law, working towards the release of all prisoners still being held under administrative detention in Israel, and redressing budgetary imbalances in order to meet the needs of ordinary Palestinians.
In terms of concrete measures to tackle internal insecurity, Dr. Barghouthi stressed that the current disorder could only be addressed through a holistic and complementary series of political, economic and social measures.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Independent Palestine to seeking ways to bring an end to the Occupation through a combination of mass, popular, non-violent resistance, negotiations, and through an international peace conference, but emphasised that Independent Palestine would not be party to any settlement with Israel that did meet conditions set out under international law and resolutions, and numerous peace agreements.
The debate will be broadcast tonight on the Palestinian Broadcasting Channel at 18:00, and on the Al Arabiyeh station at 22:00.