The “Deal of the Century” legalises a crime through a new crime

 

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 29 January 2020, Nicosia

The US, through Donald Trump, has announced the much-publicized “Deal of the Century” for the Middle East. They even presented it as a supposedly “win-win” situation for Israel and the Palestinians, while at the same time threatening that it is their last chance. In reality, this is an agreement that was “written” behind the backs of the Palestinian people, outside the framework of the United Nations and in violation of the relevant Resolutions and Decisions of the UN and international law. This is an “agreement” that serves the imperialist plans of the US for a “Greater Middle East”. Trump refers to the Palestinian people as terrorists and beggars, thinking that their land is for sale.

The “Deal” fulfills the demands of the most extreme circles of the settlers and reactionary forces around Netanyahu. After the recognition of Jerusalem as the “indivisible” capital of Israel, the recognition of the “sovereignty” of Israel over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, the recognition of the “legality” of Israel’s illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, the US gives away to Israel the Jordan Valley and 30% of occupied Palestine, as if they belonged to them! They are legalising the illegal settlements and annexing them. All the same as they speak about a two-state solution, they essentially want Palestine to consist of scattered parts of territory enclaved within a greater Israel. Instead of the capital of the Palestinian state being East Jerusalem, it will in essence be a few small cities and villages outside the “Wall of Shame”, leaving out the old city. They make reference to population exchanges and prohibiting the return of Palestinian refugees.

AKEL denounces the new crime being committed against the Palestinian people and international law. At this historic turning point, the role of the international community and those who believe in peace is critical. The international community must not accept the legalization of a crime that has been continuing for 53 years with a new crime committed. Now is the time to strengthen international solidarity towards the Palestinian people. A 53-year-old crime must not be legalized with a new crime committed. The Israeli occupation must be terminated immediately. For the recognition of an independent and viable Palestinian State on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, as set out in the relevant UN Resolutions. For the dismantling of the illegal settlements and the safeguarding of the right of return of the Palestinian refugees.

AKEL calls on the DISY-Anastasiades government to take a position against this new crime that is underway right next to us.

Will it keep silent in the face of such flagrant disregard of international law, of the Resolutions of the UN, of the rights of a people under occupation and colonization?

With what credibility will it be talking tomorrow about the just cause and rights of Cyprus and about Turkey’s violations of international law, if today the DISY-Anastasiades government yet again remains silent for the sake of Trump and Netanyahu?