Spring 2000

National Press Club and Middle East Peace

 Chief Palestinian Negotiator Saib Iraiqat spoke at a National Press Club Newsmaker on the Middle East peace process in April, 2000. Sitting in for PLO Chairman Arafat, who was unable to attend the press event, Iraiqat spoke of the chairman’s short but rigorous visit to the US. He briefed the over 100 journalists on the ambitious timetable President Arafat and Prime Minister Barak set to reach a final agreement, and issues that could “make or break” the success of the negotiations.

 Noting that in America, it seems as though there is not much Muslim support for legitimate authority in the region, ISCA Press Secretary and TMM Managing Editor, Dilshad Fakroddin questioned Iraiqat on this phenomenon.

 “Islam always calls for peace,” said Fakroddin. “We see how Chairman Arafat – as an official representative of his people – tries to negotiate toward that end [peace], and we at The Muslim Magazine appreciate that effort. However, if one looks at many Muslim organizations in the US, you will find that they seem to be more sympathetic to Hamas and their role in the area, rather than Chairman Arafat, though he is clearly the legitimate statesman and negotiator. People see very confused about this subject and don’t know whom to support. Why do you think this is so, and what advice would you give Muslims living in America on this subject? Do you see any points of reconciliation between the two different factions, so that unhindered progress in the area can take place?”

 “We as Palestinians are trying to develop as much as we can,” answered Iraiqat. And society -- based on the rule of law and based on political pluralism and provided that parties are able to work within the rule of law…we welcome different parties. I think we have 23 registered parties today in Palestine, including Islamic parties who have full right to operate within the rule of law. But one should differentiate between political pluralism and authority pluralism….Based on the rule of law, we will not tolerate under any circumstances authority pluralism. President Arafat was elected, and we will go through the process of developing society based on the rule of law.”