عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Features

The Democrats Declare Opposition to Israeli Annexation Plan

Palestinian flags being waved in Khan Yunis in opposition to annexation - AAWSAT AR
Palestinian flags being waved in Khan Yunis in opposition to annexation - AAWSAT AR
TT
TT

The Democrats Declare Opposition to Israeli Annexation Plan

Palestinian flags being waved in Khan Yunis in opposition to annexation - AAWSAT AR
Palestinian flags being waved in Khan Yunis in opposition to annexation - AAWSAT AR

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) approved the first draft of the party’s official platform, which underwent a preliminary vote in a hearing on Wednesday and is set to be unveiled to public next month.

In the draft, which has been seen by Asharq Al-Awsat, the Democrats expressed their opposition to any unilateral actions by Israelis or Palestinians that could threaten the two-state solution. They also expressed opposition to Israel’s annexation plan.

“We support a negotiated two-state solution that ensures Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state with recognized borders and upholds the right of Palestinians to live in freedom and security in a viable state of their own. Democrats oppose any unilateral steps by either side — including annexation — that undermine prospects for two states,” it read.

The committee, composed of 15 members, also refused to use the word “occupation” to describe annexation in the draft, which had been pushed for by Josh Orton, a member of the committee and senior adviser for Vermont Senator Bernie.

“Bottom line: The fact that Palestinians live under occupation is not a matter of serious dispute,” said Josh Orton.

“It’s important to acknowledge this, because people living under occupation are afforded certain rights, and those rights must be upheld and protected.”

He added that “a growing and just movement within our party believes that US aid should not be used to facilitate annexation and violate Palestinian rights.”

However, despite progressives’ efforts to include the word “occupation” in the party’s platform, the language used in the draft was more in line with Joe Biden’s campaign.

The platform also expresses its support for Jerusalem remaining the capital of Israel.

“We believe that while Jerusalem is a matter for final status negotiations, it should remain the capital of Israel, an undivided city accessible to people of all faiths.”

It should be noted that the committee will continue to edit the draft until July 27, when the final draft will be voted on. The platform outlining the party’s plans will be officially released at the Democratic National Convention on the 7th of August.

Most Viewed

 
 
Features

Iran's Businesses Bear Brunt of Daily Power Blackouts

Repeated power cuts have angered Iranians in recent years, especially during the hot summer months - AFP
Repeated power cuts have angered Iranians in recent years, especially during the hot summer months - AFP
TT
TT

Iran's Businesses Bear Brunt of Daily Power Blackouts

Repeated power cuts have angered Iranians in recent years, especially during the hot summer months - AFP
Repeated power cuts have angered Iranians in recent years, especially during the hot summer months - AFP

Baristas and servers linger outside a cafe in Tehran, smoking and chatting, as scheduled daytime power cuts due to energy shortages plunge businesses in Iran's capital into the dark.

"When the power is out, we are almost completely out of service," said Ali, a 30-year-old employee, of the nationwide rolling electricity outages imposed daily since November 11.

"We use mostly electrical equipment here in the cafe such as an electric oven and espresso machine," he told AFP, asking that only his first name be used.
Years of Western sanctions and a lack of investment in infrastructure have exacerbated the situation, especially during peak consumption months in summer and winter.

To deal with the shortages, the government has introduced two-hour blackouts, which rotate between various neighbourhoods in cities between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.

President Masoud Pezeshkian attributed the decision to "low fuel reserves", saying Iran must "adjust the fuel for power plants so that we do not face problems in winter".

- 'Poison' -

Fatemeh Mohajerani, government spokeswoman, said power cuts were necessary to cut down on a relatively cheap low-quality fuel -- known as mazout -- used at some older-generation power plants.

The heavy fuel oil has been used for years to address power shortages despite its emissions causing heavy air pollution.

She said the public would need to deal with blackouts for a limited time, to find an alternative to what she described as "poison".

"It is unfair that part of the society should pay with their lives for the production of electricity," she added.

But for Mona, another employee at the cafe in Tehran -- home to about 10 million people -- it isn't worth the cost.

"The government says it has stopped burning mazut in a number of power plants in other cities, but we need to pay for that in Tehran," the 36-year-old told AFP.

Repeated power cuts have angered citizens of the Islamic republic in recent years, especially during the hot summer months.

In July, the authorities ordered the working hours of civil servants to be halved for several days in an attempt to save energy.

But energy shortages go beyond just electricity in Iran.

On November 12, National Iranian Gas Company announced daily gas consumption in the country had set a new record of 794 million cubic metres.

Economic expert Hassan Forouzanfard cited poor infrastructure, mismanagement and in particular Western sanctions as responsible for Iran's energy problems.

"Sanctions and the cutting of the ties with international energy companies have deprived us of both the necessary technology and investment to develop our oil and gas sectors," he told AFP.

- 'Warm clothes' -

"If we have a cold winter this year, we will have to collectively deal with both gas and electricity problems in the country," Forouzanfard said.
Iran, despite holding some of the world's largest natural gas and oil reserves, has grappled with massive energy shortages in recent months

"I do not think that the government would be able to either control the negative effects of the pollution or to resolve the energy imbalances in a reasonable and serious way in the short term," he added.

But Tehran says consumers must do their part to conserve energy.

"We have no choice but to consume energy economically, especially gas, in the current conditions and the cold weather," said Pezeshkian.

"I myself use warm clothes at home, others can do the same," the president added.

During one of the scheduled power cuts, a queue formed outside a supermarket in Tehran.

"Since it is dark inside and our CCTVs are offline, we allow just one customer at a time so we can better handle them," said Sina, a 24-year-old employee, who did not want to give his full name.

"We are afraid that in the dark and without the help of surveillance cameras, we can't figure out if an item goes missing," he said, arguing that the power cuts are hurting the small business.