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Shaath slams Panama presidents Jerusalem remarks
[Ma'an] Fatah Central Committee Member Nabil Sha'ath sharply condemned on Saturday President of Panama Ricardo Martinelli's remarks in which he referred to Israel as the "guardian" of the holy city of Jerusalem."Martinelli's comments did not only insult the Palestinian people, the Arab, Islamic, and Christian world, but also insulted international law," Sha'ath said in a statement. "After Martinelli became president of Panama, the whole policy of the republic changed and it became the only country in Latin America to vote in favor of Israel in the UN. Once again, the president of Panama is challenging its neighboring countries and international law during his visit to Israel. "He toured holy sites in the Palestinian Territories escorted by Israeli officers. The republic of Panama has the right to establish diplomatic relations with any country in the world including Israel, yet they shouldn't support Israel's violations of international law and human rights." Sha'ath said Israel's "colonialism" in Jerusalem was repeatedly condemned internationally, by countries such as the US, the EU, the Vatican, Latin American countries, Islamic countries, and the rest of the international community. He added that Martinelli's statement is "worrisome," and both Arab and Latin American countries should have a clear stance toward it. "Since, the president of Panama announces that Israel is the guardian of Jerusalem, he might need to explain the meaning of his words to the Palestinian families who lose their homes in Jerusalem every week. He might also need to explain to the millions of Muslims and Christians who are denied access to the holy sites in the city," Sha'ath added. During an official visit at Israeli President Shimon Peres' residence in West Jerusalem on 2 March, Martinelli addressed officials present, saying "As a citizen of Panama .. I say with great honor and joy: I will always support Israel, guardian of the world's capital, Jerusalem." "The Jewish heart is the same as Panama's heart." Posted by: Fred 2010-03-07 |
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