Palestinian Ambassador meets Sinn Féin in Belfast

AHMAD ABDELRAZEK, the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland enjoyed “a positive  exchange” when he met with Sinn Féin joint First Minister Martin McGuinness at Stormont on Tuesday 6 May.

During their meeting, McGuinness brought the Ambassador up to date with developments in the North.

Both men went on to discuss the present situation in the Middle East, particularly the recent accord between the main representatives of the Palestinian people, Fatah and Hamas.

The Ambassador described the Reconciliation Agreement as a “major step forward” and said he hoped this would lead to elections later in the year or early next year.

Pat Sheehan, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on the Middle East, welcomed the agreement between the Palestinian organisations.

He dismissed Israel’s negative response to the accord, telling An Phoblacht “the Israelis’ refusal to talk is nothing new”.

The Ambassador also raised the issue of water rights as an example of the Israeli Government’s continued oppression of his people.

By the Israelis diverting fresh water away from Palestinian areas for their own use, the Palestinian people are forced to use salt water, resulting in an increase in kidney failure.

Martin McGuinness assured the Ambassador of Sinn Féin’s continued support for the Palestinian people and their struggle for freedom.

Later that afternoon, Sinn Féin Mayor of Belfast Máirtín Ó Muilleoir hosted the Ambassador and his entourage, which included Mr Yussef Dorkhum (Deputy Head of Mission) and Mrs Jilan Abdalmajid (First Secretary) at City Hall before they travelled to Sinn Féin’s party offices on the Falls Road.

There the Ambassador briefed activists, former prisoners and members of Belfast’s Palestine solidarity organisation, including John Mallon, who was arrested with the crew of the MV Saoirse as they tried to break the Siege of Gaza.

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