The Palestinian Authority (PA) sent its first political letter to the new US administration, outlining the agreements reached between all factions, including Hamas, on general elections in the Palestinian territories.
The letter affirmed that all factions are committed to establishing a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The letter was delivered by the head of the General Authority of Civil Affairs Hussein al-Sheikh to US President Joe Biden's Deputy Assistant Secretary for Israeli and Palestinian Affairs Hady Amr.
The Authority addressed the upcoming elections, asserting that all factions of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and others are committed to the polls to be held under the modified Basic Law.
The message, carried by the Amad news site, presented the recent commitments agreed upon by all political factions, including Hamas, at the meeting of the secretaries-general on September 3, 2020.
They agreed to commit to all standards of International law, asserting that the PLO is the only legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
All factions agreed to establish an independent Palestinian state in all territories Israel illegally occupied in 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. They confirmed there will be a peaceful transfer of power after the elections and ongoing nonviolent popular resistance against the Israeli occupation.
The modified elections law issued through a decree by President Mahmoud Abbas clearly states elections are based on the Basic Law of the PLO, which is the only legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, according to Amad news.
The message also explains the conditions for candidacy, indicating that any legible Palestinian who wishes to run for office must fill and sign an application in which they agree to the Basic Palestinian Law and its amendments, and accepting the PLO as the sole representative of the Palestinian people.
The message came in response to a request for clarification from the US administration regarding the partnership with Hamas in the elections.
Israeli Channel 12 confirmed last week that Washington insists that any upcoming Palestinian government must recognize Israel, renounce violence and maintain agreements.
The US administration and the Authority did not immediately comment on the report, but an informed source told Asharq Al-Awsat that there are no fears or concerns that a dispute or clash may erupt over this issue.
The elections will be held under the umbrella of the PLO, and the organization is committed to all agreements and any government will be formed accordingly.
Palestinians will take part in parliamentary and presidential elections on May 22 and July 31 respectively, barring any disagreement between Fatah and Hamas.
