Region | Palestinian Territories
Barghouti calls for high turnout
The jailed Fatah leader yesterday called on Palestinians of all political affiliations to participate in the parliamentary elections on Wednesday.
- By Khitam Al Amir, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 January 23, 2006
Dubai: The jailed Fatah leader yesterday called on Palestinians of all political affiliations to participate in the parliamentary elections on Wednesday.
In an interview with Al Jazeera television, Marwan Barghouti, Secretary General of the Fatah movement, said the Palestinian elections are a "great step towards freedom and independence and a start of a democratic uprising."
Calling on all various armed factions and groups to take part in the elections, Barghouti said: "The elections are very important for our people, who have been struggling to achieve their longstanding dream of an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital."
In the first interview since Israel jailed him in June 2004, Barghouti said: "Israel tries hard to sabotage the elections, and it is the duty of all factions to present a united front and a solid shield to protect the elections."
Referring to the disorder and uncontrolled presence of weapons in Palestinian areas, he told armed groups not to harm the image of resistance.
Although Fatah is a resistance group, it also fights to achieve the real peace that can help the Palestinians regain their rights, he said.
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