THE United Nations’ cultural agency has finally decided to give the Palestinians full membership of the body, a vote that will boost their bid for recognition as a state at the United Nations.
I again wish to extend my congratulations with the working people of Palestine who were forced to bear great deprivation and endure many sufferings as they pursue a free and democratic homeland.
Despite the hostile years and the blockade on the part of Israel and the suffering, especially the women and children, there have been achievements in important areas such as education, health, housing etc.It is time the world respects the membership status.
So often the typical wish reverberates on New Beginnings and immediately thereafter: All the Best! But what constitutes this ‘happiness ‘any New Beginning should bring? What is it to be a free Palestine at a personal and national level? Well we know what we want for ourselves and those closest to us: the material and practical things that would make our lives and living satisfying, comfortable, and fulfilling; even joyous.
Then there are the cultural, social and spiritual aspects. It is a combination of these forces and achievements that will make the people of Palestine happy. Nationally, all the citizens of Palestine and of the various communities need jobs, training for those jobs, the freedom to choose and most of all equal opportunity to access openings that are available. In this regard, there must be collaboration amongst the elected government, the working citizens, the business community, civil society and the political parties now that the United Nations has recognized it.
Indeed, Abbas’s political triumphs evoke memories of Nelson Mandela and Mohandas Karamchand Ghandi, whose life-long commitment to uplifting his people’s lives and to see Palestine become a member state of the United Nations General Assembly.
Let me specifically say that I greet our militant brothers and sisters in Palestine who were engaged in a tenacious battle to free their country.