Ramallah, 18-02-08: Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi MP, Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative, met yesterday with French Foreign Affairs Minister Bernard Kouchner in Ramallah, Palestine.
Dr. Barghouthi explained the suffering of the Palestinian people caused by the Israeli occupation of Palestine and the siege on Gaza, and then called for immediate efforts to prevent a large-scale Israeli attack on Gaza. He detailed how Israeli attacks have increased by 220% since the Annapolis conference, which reveals the true intentions of Israel.
Dr. Barghouthi also discussed with Minister Kouchner the need for a comprehensive and mutual cease-fire between Israel and Palestinians, and for restoring Palestinian national unity. He also highlighted the plight of the Palestinian prisoners and stressed that Israel repeatedly freed prisoners in guise of “goodwill gestures” while at the same time arresting even more Palestinians, and that the number of Palestinian prisoners has in fact increased.
Dr. Barghouthi stated that the number of checkpoints in the West Bank has also increased, from 521 to 562 since Annapolis. He explained that there can be no economic development without removing checkpoints and the Apartheid wall.