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These don't sound like people who want to avoid violent conflict
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Regarding "The Meaning of Recognition" by Naftali Kaminski (Dec. 9 Forum): There are divergent opinions as how to achieve peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, and I am not here to criticize Dr. Kaminski's beliefs. But one statement is incorrect and the evidence is indisputable. He said though 20 years of negotiations have brought no progress, "the Palestinian Authority remained committed to resolve the conflict without violence."
The PA has failed to live up to any of the promises it made under Oslo, which include:
• Recognizing the right of Israel to exist in peace and security;
• Accepting U.N. Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338;
• Renouncing the use of terrorism and other acts of violence;
• Assuming responsibility over all Palestine Liberation Organization elements to ensure their compliance, prevent violations and discipline violators;
• Affirming that those articles of the PLO Charter, which denies Israel's right to exist, are now inoperative and no longer valid.
Here are recent statements by Palestinian leadership.
President Mahmoud Abbas said:
• "If all of you [Arab States] will fight Israel, we are in favor."
• "I do not accept the Jewish State, call it what you will."
• Armed "resistance" is not ruled out.
Abdullah Abdullah, Palestinian legislator and Fatah member, said, "No one in Fatah and Hamas movements recognizes Israel."
PA-appointed Arab religious leader, Mufti Muhammad Hussein, says it's a religious duty to kill Jews.
PA Minister Majida Masri said Palestinian unity is needed to destroy Israel.
Fatah Central Committee member Abbas Zaki said, "My feelings towards Hamas have softened. I salute them. ... Nothing matters to me now except Israel's defeat."
Does this sound like a people committed to "resolve the conflict without violence"? You make the call.
STUART V. PAVILACK
Executive Director
Zionist Organization of America -- Pittsburgh District
Squirrel Hill
First Published January 2, 2013 12:00 am
