 By Husam Bajis, Palestinian National Interest Committee, December 17 2009 Brazil is very much interested in giving the Palestinians a stronger voice on the international stage, and the Palestinian National Interest Committee is working on building a solid foundation for Brazil’s entrance into the Peace Process, to assist in these efforts. Brazil’s objective is clear, to improve the political, social and economic relations as priority between Israel and Palestinians. It is this notion that Brazil, a country where Arabs and Jews live peacefully, that gave the committee hope that peace is still possible. President Lula of Brazil’s Worker’s Party has been working since 2003 to improve relations between Palestine and Israel. The signing of a free trade agreement between Mercosul (South American Common Market), with both the Palestinian National Authority and the Israeli Government, along with a recent contribution of US $10 million from Brazil to the Palestinian Government’s economic reforms program, and the sending of medicinal products for the Palestinian people in Gaza, reinforces peace and equality in the Middle East.  During these meetings, we hope the Palestinian National Authority reaffirms Palestinian interest to promote cooperation in areas which are of mutual interest with Brazil. Brazil is not expecting a major breakthrough in peace negotiations, unless Israel ends the colonization and abandons the West Bank settlements. Nevertheless, the Committee is convinced the moment of opportunity to achieve concrete progress in building the Palestinian state is now and the participation of Brazil will give greater legitimacy to the peace process. Brazil was the first country to be given observer status in the Arab League. Today there are 12 million Arabs, 100,000 Jews and over 50,000 Palestinians that call their home Brazil. The committee is to promote Brazil as key for Palestinian-Israeli peace, by urging Members of Congress in Brazil, to adopt resolutions to help in restoring the peace process and thus resolve the humanitarian situation, in order to avoid future conflicts in the Middle East, and to support important initiatives that would lead to the creation of a Palestinian State. The Palestinian National Interest Committee is a non-profit organization whose principal mission is to work with foreign legislative bodies on legislation that strengthens relationship with the International Community. |
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Why Must Brazil Enter the Peace Process?posted Jul 4, 2010 10:30 PM by PNIC Staff [ updated Jul 4, 2010 11:30 PM ] |