The PLO and the Right of Return, Interview with the PLO Department for Refugee Affairs
In response to the Israeli and US-led campaign to delegitimize
the Palestinian refugees’ right of return in the context of a
durable solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, BADIL
approached the PLO Department of Refugee Affairs for a more
detailed discussion of the right of return. The following interview
with Mr. Saji Salameh, Director General, Department of Refugee
Affairs,was conducted via email in mid-December.
Politicians in Europe, the United States, and in fact all of the
western world, have been very reluctant to integrate the
Palestinian refugee issue into their public statements and
initiatives for a durable solution of the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict. While many of them are quite outspoken about the need for
Palestinian statehood, the refugee issue, especially reference to
refugees’ right of return, is almost absent from their proposals.
How do you explain this, especially in the light of the fact that
all of their governments (with the exception of the US) continue to
vote annually for UN Resolution 194?
On the other hand, those countries clearly show their support for the necessity of solving the refugee issue, and most acknowledge that they support the right of return of Palestinian refugees. Most of these countries vote for General Assembly Resolution 194 [i.e., return, restitution, compensation] every year. Some other states take more cautious positions toward the proposed mechanisms for resolving the refugee issue, and avoid public pronouncements of their views. We find that they are more interested and concerned with the humanitarian aspects related to the refugees. This is reflected through support for projects and programs aiming to reduce the amount of suffering of the refugees (i.e., support of UNRWA…etc.).
From our side, we work on pushing those governments to develop their positions toward the refugee issue, and urge them to show more support for the refugees' right of return and oblige Israel to recognize this right and its responsibility for the creation of the refugee issue.
Recent public statements by Dr. Sari Nusseibeh about a need by the PLO to compromise refugees’ right of return to their homes now located in Israel in order to increase the chances for a rapid political agreement leading to a Palestinian state alongside a Jewish state have been very much welcome by the international community and Israel, and have caused much confusion and protest among Palestinians. Would you say that Nusseibeh is correct when he says that the Palestinian leadership has been unclear, or sending contradictory messages, concerning the issue of the right of return throughout the Oslo process? Is he correct in saying that the message sent to the Israeli side and to the international community has been different from the message sent to the Palestinian public?
The Palestinian position concerning the refugee issue is very clear. There is no contradiction in the messages we release to the Palestinian public and to the Israeli side. This position has been expressed in all events and meetings, including Camp David and Taba negotiations, and also in all formal press releases. Our position is simply to uphold the right of refugees to return to their homes and properties in accordance with UN Resolution 194, and enable those refugees who wish to exercise their choice of return and compensation. Concerning this position, there is a Palestinian national consensus that makes it impossible for anyone to sacrifice the right of return. This right is applicable and implementation in accordance with agreed upon mechanisms is possible.
We do not forbid anyone from expressing his own view, and we will not make an issue out of an individual statement, whether it was Dr. Sari Nusseibeh’s or someone else’s. We are concerned with the official Palestinian position that upholds basic rights, the position, which has more public support. The statement issued by the PLO Refugee Department on 10 November clearly summarizes the official Palestinian position.
What is the official Palestinian proposal for a solution of the Palestinian refugee question? Where has it been presented?
The official Palestinian position is widely known, it was presented in Camp David and Taba and then it was announced and released to the public. The core of this proposal is that a comprehensive and durable peace in the region will not be achieved without solving the refugee issue, according to a solution that leads to the implementation of UN Resolution 194.
According to that resolution, refugees who wish to return to their homes inside Israel and live in peace with their neighbors can freely do so, taking into consideration that the exercise of this right is possible through finding agreed upon mechanisms. This solution includes an Israeli recognition of its full legal and moral responsibility for the mass displacement of Palestinians, including compensation payments for material and non-material loss or damage.
Who are the official Palestinian departments mandated to represent the official position and proposals concerning the refugee question? What is the division of tasks between them?
The Palestinian leadership represents the official Palestinian position. It chose the negotiators and delegations, and it decides who can speak on behalf of it in all international meetings whether they are negotiations, conferences or international fora. Concerning the follow up with the refugee portfolio and refugee affairs, this is the responsibility of PLO Refugee Department and the Department for Negotiation Affairs in coordination with other departments and ministries such as the Ministry for Planning and International Cooperation.
Why do you think that the Palestinian position and proposals concerning recognition and implementation of the refugees’ right of return are so little known among the public, both on the Palestinian/Arab and international level? Why is it so frequently mis-understood?
On the contrary, the Palestinian position concerning refugees is well known and clear as I already explained. But maybe not concerning the mechanisms for the implementation of the right of return. There is some obscurity due to the fact that this issue includes many procedural or technical issues (very important issues because they have both political and legal dimensions).
And do not forget that negotiations on the refugee question have not started yet in a comprehensive, deep and detailed way. We are just in the beginning stages and things are not easy.
What are the obstacles in front of more offensive publicity around the official Palestinian position and proposals on the right of return?
We have to admit that we need more serious public and internal dialogue about all aspects related to the mechanisms of resolving the refugee issue. We must not be satisfied only with easy slogans. We have to crystallize a clear vision on the level of public opinion toward all issues related to the refugee question and the right of return and compensation. Media, press, cultural groups and popular committees must play more a efficient role of mobilization, and inform the Palestinian public in camps and among refugees in general about the refugees’ basic rights and about facts on the ground. This is the best way to protect the refugees’ rights.
What are the obstacles that have prevented the responsible official Palestinian departments from being more accessible to, and transparent for, Palestinian refugees themselves?
I think that the official Palestinian departments should do more to start initiatives and carry the responsibility for mobilizing public opinion and facilitating national dialogue about refugee rights and the solution which should be based on international law, including Resolution 194. The solution must be acceptable to all Palestinian people.