Obama should return Nobel Peace Prize
On the debate about Palestine's inclusion as a full member of the United Nations, executive board member Wolfgang Gehrcke declares:
After his speech against the inclusion of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations U.S. President Obama should return is Nobel Peace Prize. His collaboration with the Prime Minister of Israel, Netanyahu is worldwide observed with profound disappointment. Only just last year Obama expressed the hope to welcome Palestine as a full member of the United Nations by September 2011.
The request of Palestinian leader Abbas, to include Palestine as a full member of the U.N. is politically, socially, morally, and historically justified. DIE LINKE supports this bid and argues the case for Israel and Palestine existing side by side as two states with secured borders. The acknowledgment of Palestine also lies in Israel's interest and is supported by the majority of the states in Europe. Rallies and demonstrations in Tel Aviv as well as in Ramallah are an encouraging sign for this initiative.
DIE LINKE is in good contact with the Israeli and Palestinian peace movement. We use our cooperation with both countries to promote a peaceful solution of the Middle East conflict. Without an autonomous and viable Palestinian State violence will always overcome peace.
Yasser Arafat 1974 met the General Assembly of the United Nations "bearing an olive branch and a freedom fighter's gun". 2011 Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas stands with outstretched hands in front of the world public willing to take on the duties and rights of a full member of the United Nations. It's a shame that our Federal Government again submerged, denying Palestine acknowledgement in the wake of the U.S. and Israel.