Isaura Daniel*
isaura.daniel@anba.com.br
São Paulo – Brazilian parliament members want to mobilise to help Palestine live in peace with Israel. In meetings with Brazilian politicians in Brazilian capital Brasília, early this week, Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of the Political Committee at the Palestinian Legislative Council, the representatives stated that they are going to work for the success of the meeting for peace in the Middle East, to take place in Washington, United States, in November. This information was disclosed by Abdullah in an interview to ANBA. The Palestinian politician arrived in Brazil last Monday (01) for a five-day visit. On Thursday (04), he visited the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.
Abdullah participated, on Wednesday (03), in a public audience at the Foreign Relations Committee at the Lower House, out of which several decisions supporting the Palestinians arose. One of them was the formulation of a document asking for the conference in Washington to result in concrete advances for peace in Palestine. According to representative Vieira da Cunha, president of the committee, signatures will be collected on the document, which will later be sent to the leaders of the countries involved, to international organisations and also promoted among the Brazilian society.
"We want to contribute in all possible manners, clarifying the public opinion about the importance of this conference, counting our diplomatic channels," said Vieira to ANBA. According to representative Nilson Mourão, president of the Brazil-Arab Countries Parliamentary Group, which participated in the meeting, there will also be a forum for parliament members and social movements to discuss the matter. The idea is to promote in Washington, in the sidelines of the conference, a meeting between parliament members and social movements from all around the world, to press for the problems in the region to be definitely solved.
Abdullah recalled that apart from the initiative of the politicians, Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is going to participate in the conference. Lula was invited to the meeting by the president of the Palestinian National Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, and also by the presidents of the United States, George W. Bush, during the last United Nations (UN) General Assembly, in New York. "Brazil is an important country in world politics as it chose to support peace, national dignity and freedom. Brazil may contribute for the advance of the peace process. Brazil has good relations with Israel and also with our country. Being friends with both factions of the conflict makes it easier for Brazil to contribute to the advance of the peace process," stated Abdullah.
The Palestinian parliament member came to Brazil at the invitation of Vieira da Cunha. In Brasília, Abdullah also had meetings at the Brazilian Foreign Office (Itamaraty), with the Brazil-Arab Countries Parliamentary Group, with leaders of some political parties and with representatives of the Palestinian community. He had the support of the Palestinian embassy to Brazil.
Brazil and Palestine
Abdullah stated that Brazil and Palestine should work together in coming months for the Summit of South American – Arab Countries, whose second edition should take place next year. He recalled that Brazil was the leader in the organisation of the first meeting of heads of state of both regions, which took place in Brasília in 2005, and that both countries have already operated side by side in the opportunity. Abdullah also stated that he is very thankful to Brazil for having received Palestinian refugees in its territory. A group of 35 Palestinians who lived in the desert in Jordan came to live in Brazil at the end of last month.
The Palestinian parliament member stated that despite the current situation, there is space to consider the development of the economy of the country and that Palestine may sell to Brazil products like olive oil and stone for construction. He recalled that his country, for example, has trade agreements with other regions of the world, like the United States, European Union and Canada and that they could also establish agreements with Brazil. "The business community in both countries needs to meet, exchange visits and find the best means to develop bilateral trade," stated Abdullah.
At the Arab Brazilian Chamber, Abdullah met organisation president Antonio Sarkis Jr., marketing vice president Rubens Hannun, and by secretary general Michel Alaby. In São Paulo, he had visits scheduled with the City Council, the Legislative Assembly and a meeting with representatives of the Palestinian community. In the state of São Paulo, Abdullah was accompanied by the Secretary general at the Arab Palestinian Federation of Brazil (Fepal), Emir Mourad. The politician has already been in Brazil several times. Abdullah has also been deputy minister of Foreign Relations for his country.
*Translated by Mark Ament
