ZCZC
BFF-47
PALESTINIANS-POLITICS
Top Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi quits PLO
RAMALLAH, Palestinian Territories, Dec 9, 2020 (BSS/AFP) –
High-profile Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi resigned from the
Palestine Liberation Organization on Wednesday, calling for the
“renewal and reinvigoration” of Palestinian political leadership.
Ashrawi was widely reported to have been frustrated with the
Palestinian Authority’s decision last month to renew coordination with
Israel.
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas had stopped that coordination in
response to Israeli plans to annex Jewish settlements and other areas
in the occupied West Bank.
Israel later put its annexation plans on hold, in return for an
agreement to normalise ties with the United Arab Emirates, announced
in August.
Ashrawi, one of the Palestinian leadership’s most recognisable
faces, did not address coordination with Israel in a statement
announcing her resignation from the PLO’s executive committee.
“I believe it is time to carry out the required reform and to
activate the PLO in a manner that restores its standing,” she said.
“The Palestinian political system needs renewal and reinvigoration
with the inclusion of youth, women, and additional qualified
professional,” the 74-year-old added.
While seemingly criticising the leadership of 85-year-old Abbas,
Ashrawi described her resignation discussion with him as “amicable”.
Ashrawi has voiced support for reconciliation talks between Abbas’s
Fatah party and their rivals Hamas, the Islamist group that controls
the Gaza Strip.
The Palestinian Authority is also hoping for a renewed diplomatic
voice during the incoming administration of US President-elect Joe
Biden.
The PA cut ties with President Donald Trump’s administration,
accusing of pro-Israeli bias.
BSS/AFP/MRU/2330hrs