|
http://english.alarabiya.net
Al-Azhar calls for “free world”
Al-Azhar, the top Sunni Muslim authority, on Thursday called on the “free world” to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations. “Al-Azhar asks all the countries in the free world to stand alongside Palestine so that it can enjoy stability like any other country in the world, and vote for its recognition” at the U.N., Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, grand imam of the Cairo-based al-Azhar, said in a statement. He also “renewed his call to the free world to oppose the American administration” which announced that it would veto the Palestinian bid to seek full U.N. recognition for their state. Whatever happens at the United Nations, Palestinians will remain under Israeli occupation and any nominal state would lack recognized borders or real independence and sovereignty. The cash-strapped Palestinians face their own political divisions, and may also incur financial retribution from Israel and the United States which could hobble their efforts to build the framework of government for their new homeland. Tens of thousands of Palestinians rallied across the West Bank on Wednesday in a massive show of support for the campaign to become a member state at the United Nations, many of them expressing anger and disappointment over U.S. policy. Palestinian medics said a 13-year-old boy lost an eye when troops fired a teargas cartridge at stone-throwers in Qalandia near Ramallah, AFP reported. “Our alliance with America has not brought us anything,” said Amina al-Akhras, a public sector employee, blaming reliance on international donor funds for what she described as lethargy among Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. “We are ready to sacrifice their support and instead have a stronger national position,” she said.
|
