Ref: 97/2008

Date: 04 November 2008

Time: 15:30 GMT

 

PCHR Welcomes Invitation to Dr. Ahmed Bahar to Visit European Parliament

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) welcomes the official invitation to Dr. Ahmed Bahar, Acting Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), to visit the European Parliament in March 2009,. The Centre views this as a significant development towards breaking the international boycott imposed on the Palestinian people since Hamas’ victory in the Palestinian elections in 2006.

 

A delegation from the European Parliament, led by EP Kyriacos Triantaphyllides, visited the Palestinian Legislative Council in Gaza City on Monday, 3 November. This was part of an EP mission to the Occupied Palestinian Territory from 31 October  – 4 November 2008. During this visit, Mr. Triantaphyllides officially invited Dr. Ahmed Bahar to visit the European Parliament in March 2009.

 

PCHR has repeatedly expressed its rejection of the international sanctions imposed on the Palestinian civilian population after the results of the second Palestinian legislative elections in January 2006, which was won by Hamas. PCHR has reiterated that this boycott sets the historic precedent of sanctioning a people living under occupation, whilst at the same time rewarding the Occupying Power despite its continuing perpetration of grave human rights violations. The international boycott and sanctions applied to the OPT have served only to exacerbate violations of human rights in the OPT, especially economic and social rights. The sanctions have also obstructed democratic reform efforts in the Palestinian National Authority, as well as undermining efforts by Palestinian civil society organizations, including human rights organizations.

 

PCHR views the European Parliament’s invitation to the Acting Speaker of the PLC as a positive step towards breaking the international boycott and the siege. The Centre reiterates that the 2006 elections were observed as free and fair by observers from the European Union. PCHR calls upon the European Parliament and Union to support the current Palestinian dialogue, as this represents the only way to sustainably resolve the current crisis, and unify the Palestinian people in order for them to realize their legitimate right to self-determination.