Palestinian leaders-in-exile to hold alternative autumn summit in Damascus

Date: 07 / 10 / 2007 Time: 10:40

Bethlehem – Ma'an –

It is unknown as yet whether the US will invite Syrians to attend the autumn Middle East peace summit, however, Palestinian leaders-in-exile in the Syrian capital of Damascus are to hold their own conference at the same time as the US-sponsored summit.

Deputy Secretary-General of Islamic Jihad Ziyad Nakhala said that Palestinian factions will hold a simultaneous conference in order to express their rejection of US plans and stress adherence to unalienable Palestinian rights and principles.

Nakhala addressed a gathering of Islamic Jihad leaders, in addition to journalists and intellectuals. He stated that all Palestinian factions and independent figures are invited to the conference.

This alternative conference is expected to be held at the beginning of November.

During his speech, Nakhala said the Israelis continue the construction of the separation wall, stealing thousands of hectares of Palestinian land.

He also stated that settlement activity has increased and checkpoints continue to spread around Palestinian cities.

In terms of the expectations of Islamic Jihad with regards to future relations between rivals Fateh and Hamas, Nakhala said that dialogue is key to solving problems and Palestinians should move forwards.

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