Back to Birzeit News Story, 26 February

Birzeit, 26 February, 2000
To all the Birzeit community, all the symbols of struggle and sacrifice, a shining point of democracy, to all who formed a model for national struggle and the practice of democracy.

Mr. Jospin arrived here a couple of days ago and gave statements describing the National Lebanese Resistance as terrorist. This had to be followed by an action. So, what happened today points out our determination as a student movement and employees to practice our leading role in expressing our people feelings. These statements by Mr. Jospin contradict all the international laws that legalize resistance against occupation and for nations’ freedom. We don’t forget that France itself has a long tradition in resisting the occupier. Jospin's statements also contradict the French policy towards our nation that was expressed clearly during Mr. Chiraq's visit to Palestine a couple of years ago. That visit left a warm and positive effect on the mutual relations of our peoples.

What happened today was redirected from the course that we had planned and occurred in an unexpected manner. For that reason we find it necessary to clarify our position as a student movement and employees union of what happened:

1.All Palestinian people appreciate the French position that expresses the support to establish the Palestinian independent state. Our position is against Jospin's personal visit and boycotting his reception was due to his personal statements that show his bias towards Israel and legalize its aggression against freedom and dignity of our Arab nation.

2. Mr. Jospin's statements that described the National Lebanese Resistance as terrorist, is totally rejected and contradict the international legal resolutions that consider Israeli occupation of South Lebanon as an illegal action and consider resisting it as a legitimate right.

3. The Palestinian nation appreciates the National Lebanese Resistance and fully supports it in its legal right.

4.Boycotting Mr. Jospin's visit and the student's demonstration against his presence on the University campus expresses the position of the Employees Union and Student Movement and practicing their leading role in a civilized way.

5.The actions that followed which moved beyond peaceful means were not correct and do not represent our opinion at all.

6.Any dealing with the results of the this crisis must be in complete coordination with the different parties involved – The University Administration, The Employees Union and Student Movement and we reject any unilateral decision.

7.It would have been appropriate and balanced if Mr. Jospin had started his visit by standing in front of the Martyrs Memorial Statue for those who fell during the Palestinian struggle at the hands of the current Israeli prime minister.

8. The Birzeit University community expected that Mr. Jospin would withdraw his irresponsible statements. When he did not do this it caused us to believe that he insists on provoking the national feeling of Birzeit Community.

Together towards applying democracy in slogan and practice!

Employees Union and Student Movement of Birzeit University, February 26, 2000