Palestinian Declaration of Statehood
The recently announced Palestinian declaration of independence by the Palestine National Council demonstrates the desire of the Palestinian people to coexist peacefully with the state of Israel under the guidelines of U.N. Resolutions 242 and 338 (Part I, Nov. 14).
The declaration was announced by PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat and unequivocally satisfies the U.S. objection that the PLO acknowledge Israel’s right to exist, and opens the door to a dialogue with the United States, Israel, and the PLO leading to a just solution of the Palestinian situation.
The future may not provide our country with as great an opportunity as we now have to bring the parties to the bargaining table and help them devise a framework for a lasting and just Middle East peace. We cannot afford to be “cautious” and ignore the PLO so that Israel can maintain the status quo. The status quo can only lead to another Mideast war which true friends of Israel should seek to prevent.
ALEXANDER NASSIF
Los Angeles
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