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Al-Aqsa Brigades Activists Rally for Jobs
 Palestinians from the ruling Fatah party armed with assault rifles converged on the Gaza Parliament building yesterday to demand jobs in a protest that underlined challenges ahead for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Abbas has vowed to crack down on worsening internal lawlessness and faces pressure to rein in militants during Israelâs pullout from the occupied Gaza Strip in order to maintain stability and advance peacemaking efforts. But he has shied from direct confrontations with militants.At least 200 Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades members, most dressed in black, demanded jobs while accusing officials of corruption. Some fired into the air. The protesters came close to scuffles with police before commanders on both sides ordered calm. They then dispersed. âWe are here only to send a message that Fatah fighters should be treated fairly. Jobs should be secured for those who made dear sacrifices,â said Abu Jihad, a spokesman. He complained that jobs were given to âthose who did not deserve them while the fighters were forgottenâ. One Al-Aqsa protester said through a loudspeaker: âWe are not here to beg anybody. We are here to seek our fair rights.â Posted by: Fred 2005-08-22 |
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