On April 16, 2012, the Palestinian Authority daily Al-Ayyam published an interview conducted by journalist 'Abd Al-Rauf Arnaout with PA President Mahmoud 'Abbas. 'Abbas stressed that the he would not end security coordination with Israel, would not dismantle the PA, and would continue to support the two-state solution. The following are excerpts from the interview: [1]
I Support the Two-State Solution, Not a Binational State
Arnaout: "We have recently witnessed a series of warnings that the two-state solution is no longer possible due to continued settlement construction in Palestinian territories. Do you share these fears?"
'Abbas: "Israel is making the two-state solution impossible with ongoing settlement construction. It is trying to kill it in any way possible, but as far as we are concerned, the first and last option is the two-state solution. We consider the settlements illegal."
Arnaout: "Do you not fear that the two-state solution will soon become impossible to implement?"
'Abbas: "Ultimately, regardless of what Israel does, the two-state solution will still exist..."
Arnaout: "What is your response to the increasing calls in support of a binational state?"
'Abbas: "I have heard many such calls, and have also seen ads in newspapers and elsewhere. I do not wish to prevent people from [expressing] their opinions, but I support the two-state solution."
Personnel Change Coming to the Palestinian Government
Arnaout: "You have said that personnel changes in [Salam Fayyad's] government do not contradict the reconciliation."
'Abbas: "Personnel changes are one matter, and the reconciliation is another. Once Hamas meets its obligations and enables the central election committee to begin operating, we will immediately begin deliberations to form a transitional government. But this does not prevent making changes in the makeup of the current government..."
Arnaout: "When do you expect this change to take place, and will it be a total or partial change?"
'Abbas: "The change will take place very soon, and will be a partial one."
Security Coordination Will Continue; the PA Will Not Be Dismantled
Arnaout: "In the matter of Palestinian options: In light of disruptions in negotiations, calls are being made to end the security coordination. What is your opinion?"
'Abbas: "Those are empty words. Security is also in our best interest. Security coordination does not [benefit] only one side, but also [benefits] the Palestinians. We maintain security coordination because we wish security for the Palestinian residents. Those who say [it should be stopped] are simply engaged in a cheap contest of Palestinian zealotry."
Arnaout: "You have said that the PA will not be dismantled because it is an achievement. Do you not fear that it will collapse due to the political and financial crisis?"
'Abbas: "There are many reasons for the weakening of the PA, but dismantling it is out of the question."
Arnaout: "Is the financial crisis mainly the result of Arab countries delaying meeting their commitments?"
'Abbas: "The decline is the result of some Arab countries not meeting their commitments. They have recently pledged [certain] sums at the Arab summit in Baghdad, and we hope that this will be carried out..."
Hamas in Gaza Does Not Wish to Implement the Reconciliation Agreement
Arnaout: "Some officials in Fatah and Hamas believe that the Palestinian reconciliation is at a standstill."
'Abbas: "I do not pay attention to what people say, but [merely] describe the situation. What is needed now, according to the agreement signed between myself and Khaled Mash'al, is to take steps to [form] a government. The first step is for the independent central election committee to begin its work. Once it does, we can begin deliberations for the formation of a government. Unfortunately, Hamas in Gaza does not wish to do this and I do not know their reasons."
Arnaout: "It seems your relationship with Mash'al has improved recently."
'Abbas: "My relationship with Mash'al is good, even great. I feel that he is an honest man in word, position, and commitment. However, implementing [the reconciliation agreement] requires him to invest effort in the movement (Hamas)."
The PA Does Not Agree to Military Action against Iran
Arnaout: "Do you fear deterioration in the security situation if Israel attacks Iran?"
'Abbas: "First, we hope that such an attack does not take place. We do not want one and do not agree to one. We hope all problems are solved peacefully. Ultimately, what applies to all the Middle East countries applies to us too."
Endnote:
[1] Al-Ayyam (Palestinian Authority), April 16, 2012.
