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| By: Israel Insider staff and partners |
| Published: May 11, 2005 |
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After Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom suggested that a victory for Hamas in the Palestinian parliamentary elections could put Israel's pullout from Gaza at risk, PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas retaliated by slamming Israel for postponing its Gaza withdrawal due to the Jewish mourning period, and went even as far as to question the Jewish state's democratic character in a speech at a summit of South American and Arab leaders in Brazil.
"Here I ask myself, what kind of democracy is this? What democracy do the Israelis believe in?" Abbas asked.
The summit is the first such meeting between leaders from 12 South American and 22 Arab nations. Brazilian officials say the emphasis is on increasing trade and business links between the two parts of the world and fostering diplomatic cooperation.
But Arab nations were also looking for solidarity over the Palestinian cause, terrorism and other political issues. A draft of the forum's final declaration calls for the right of people to resist occupation, a sign of support for the Palestinians in their struggle against Israel.
Full Story:
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Abbas questions Israeli democracy
- (Ynetnews.com)
05.11.2005
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