The Obama administration is hosting a new round of peace talks between The Palestinian Authority and Israel tomorrow September 2, 2010. This comes in the midst of accelerated demolitions of Palestinian homes in Jerusalem and Al-Naqab (Negev) and renewed promises by top Israeli officials to accelerate settlement building on occupied Palestinian land. Al-Awda, The Palestine Right to Return Coalition, which has members in almost all states in the U.S. and in several other countries around the world, sees the basis of these negotiations as well as the measures taken by the Israeli government as detrimental to the talks and any future peaceful settlement.

Al-Awda has taken the following position on the new talks:

Al-Awda believes that one democratic state over the entire land which includes present day Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Strip, is the only viable and realistic solution to this conflict and to preserve the rights of all of its citizens. Israel has created a situation on the ground that makes it impossible to have two states to exist side by side. In addition, the Palestinian population inside Israel is an integral inseparable part of the Palestinian people. They must be recognized by the international community as equal citizens in a one future state. Any future state will have to reject all forms of racism and discrimination and implement democratic values for all its citizens regardless of color, faith or race. These are the only viable basis for a just, lasting and secure peace for all.

Contacts for media interviews

Name: Dr. Jess Ghannam
Name: Mr. Marwan Ahmad