Following is an excerpt from an interview with Fatah Central Committee member Jibril Rajoub, who was former West Bank security chief. The interview aired on Al-Jazeera TV on August 17, 2009.

Jibril Rajoub: The Fatah Convention made a unanimous decision to adhere to the notions, methods, and original principles, which were approved by the Fatah movement on January 1, 1965. In addition, the convention unanimously ratified the political platform – the limits of which were set in our fifth convention, in Tunis – including the option of resistance as a strategic option. The Fatah movement has not abandoned the option of resistance and will not do so. Negotiations are a means to reach a resolution and to end the occupation, and we have no problem with this.

None of us fights for the sake of fighting. Fighting is a means, the goal of which is to end the occupation. Struggle and combat have never been a form of suicide. No one can look down on the Fatah movement. We adhere to all options, and first and foremost, the option of resistance and armed struggle. I guarantee all Fatah members, in the homeland, in prison, and in exile, that the goals and original principles of Fatah and the morals and values of Yasser Arafat and Khalil Al-Wazir continue to flow through our veins. I believe that this convention has approved everything the Fatah members have dreamt of.