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Fatah Congress Ends with a ‘Hardheaded’ Statement | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas gestures as he gives a speech during a rally marking the 12th anniversary of the death of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in the West Bank city of Ramallah on November 10, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / ABBAS MOMANI


Ramallah- President of the Palestinian State Mahmoud Abbas, also known by Abu Mazen, boasted about the Palestinian leading party, Fatah, proving able to sustain an independent national decision. Abbas’ statement hints that international intervention was attempted.

Expressing independence and commitment to the Palestine cause, “no one dictates our actions.. We are all hardheaded here,” said Abbas.

Speaking at the concluding session for Fatah’s congress on Sunday, Abbas delivered a short speech saying that the Fatah movement has proved successful, leading a cause for an independent state with self-determination, which is a victory to all Palestinians and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

The seventh congress held by the movement, is unique to the stakes it dealt with and had formed a pivotal change to the course of Fatah, Said Abbas.

It (the congress) had laid the foundations and directed efforts towards expanding the committees’ contributing base and youth involvement.

The Fatah party congress, which ended Sunday, was the closest thing to democracy that Palestinians have seen in recent years.

The 1,400 delegates voted unanimously to reelect Abbas, 81, as leader of the party, guaranteeing that he will rule.

“Surely that the success recorded at the Conference, added to the reports reflecting the movement’s ability to identify tasks and adopt appropriate action, will strengthen the determination of our people in their struggle against occupation– the PLO, considered the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, will be supported in its political and diplomatic ventures around the world,” said Abbas.

He also promised that 2017 will be the year in which occupation will be brought to an end, saying that it is the ultimatum Fatah seeks as a movement.

After his reelection, Abbas said that the responsibility towards achieving realizing the main goal is a grave burden that should be shared by everyone, and that solidarity is imperative.

“We have been tested for 50 years.. and we have proven a match,” Abbas said when congratulating the audience for carrying out a smooth democratic election.