Solidarity meet stresses Indo-Palestinian ties

The meet organised by Indo Arab Friendship Foundation (IAFF)’s Hyderabad chapter had the presence of representatives from countries including Saudi Arabia.

Former Union Minister K. Rahman Khan, Deputy CM Mohammed Mahmood Ali and Congress leader Mohammed Ali Shabbir at the solidarity meet on the 28{+t}{+h}Independence Day of Palestine in Hyderabad on Saturday. (Below) The delegates at the meet.-Photo: Mohammed Yousuf

Diplomats of Arab countries along with city representatives held solidarity meet on the 28{+t}{+h}Independence Day of Palestine, a country torn by internal and external military conflicts. In the meet, the diplomats expressed their resolve to extend humanitarian support to Palestinian people even while condemning terrorist activities within and outside the country’s territory.

The meet organised by Indo Arab Friendship Foundation (IAFF)’s Hyderabad chapter had the presence of representatives from countries including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Sudan, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Turkey and Somali, among others.

A large number of students of Arab origin who are pursuing their higher studies in Hyderabad also attended the meet. The gathering which observed a minute of silence for the deceased in Palestine who were slain in Israeli military attacks also had on display both the Palestinian and Indian flags. It was among cheers that the diplomats and representatives of all the Arab countries spoke.

“The meet is aimed at strengthening Indo-Palestinian ties. We also hope to send a strong message of dissent to those supporting terror strikes. Leaders of the world will stand in solidarity only to support peace process and not terrorism,” said Jabeer Patel, president, IAFF. Speaking at the meet, second secretary of Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia Khalid Makki said that the Arab world has always been working in support of peace in the region.

“Terrorism within and without the Palestinian territory should be fought,” he said, as he sought peace initiatives from countries such as India to reach troubled territories in the Arab world.

The meeting also came out with a seven point resolution to support Palestinian nationhood. From highlighting Israel’s duty to abide by the Oslo accord to maintaining national boundaries adopted in 1969, those attending the meet also demanded global community to support Palestinian people who are living in exile in their own land. Home Minister Nayani Narasimha Reddy addressing the meeting agreed to all the seven demands put forth by IAFF.