Palestinians mark 57th anniversary of their 'catastrophe'

PALESTINE: Palestinians marked the 57th anniversary of the proclamation of the state of Israel yesterday by observing a two-minute silence in the West Bank and Gaza.

They consider May 15th the beginning of their catastrophe or naqba, the war which ended with Israel in possession of 78 per cent of Palestine, the destruction of 531 Palestinian towns and villages, a million Palestinian refugees and the Palestinian dream of self-determination in shreds.

Thousands rallied in Gaza and the West Bank demanding the right of return and an end to the Israeli occupation.

In a broadcast address, President Mahmoud Abbas said: "Peace, stability and security in the Middle East can only be achieved with a just solution to our cause, based on international resolutions which stress our right to an independent state, with Jerusalem as its capital."

Mr Abbas, a refugee from the town of Safad in northern Israel, said peace also depended on "achieving a just and agreed solution to the refugee issue". The fate of the refugees has been one of the most contentious issues.

Palestinians demand implementation of their right to repatriation, laid down in 1948 General Assembly resolution 194, but Israel rejects this right, arguing that Palestinians scattered around the world (now 5.5 million) would transform the Jewish state into a Palestinian Arab state.

Prime minister Ahmad Korei castigated the Arab world for its failure to achieve a settlement with Israel based on the land-for-peace formula, and the international community for its indifference to Palestinian suffering.

He told the Palestinian legislature: "Jerusalem is under occupation, facing great danger, [ West Bank] settlements are expanding daily, the separation wall is strangling our land and peace [ hopes] are faltering."

Israel celebrated Independence Day last Thursday.

It was announced on Saturday that Mr Abbas will conclude a 20-day world tour with a meeting at the White House with President George Bush.

Mr Abbas did not take up the invitation issued in January until he had imposed a ceasefire on Hamas and other militant groups, consolidated and reformed Palestinian security services, begun the collection of arms in West Bank towns, and introduced democracy through local council elections.

In spite of pressure from the ruling Fatah movement, Mr Abbas has refused to postpone legislative elections set to take place on July 17th.

The latest poll shows that Fatah has the backing of 36 per cent of Palestinians while its main challenger, Hamas, can count on 20 per cent.

By demonstrating his determination to meet his commitments under the "road map" peace plan endorsed by the US, UN, Russia and Europe, Mr Abbas hopes to receive a pledge from Mr Bush to exert pressure on Israel to honour its commitments.

He believes Israel should halt construction of settlements and the West Bank wall and ease restrictions on Palestinian freedom of movement.

Mr Abbas currently enjoys the support of 76 per cent of Palestinians but could lose credibility if Israel does not carry out its obligations, thereby improving Palestinian living conditions.