Sweden will increase its efforts to this end. In 1996 the first elections took place and you are now in the somewhat peculiar situation of a democratisation involving only parts of the territory on the West Bank and Caza. Nobody is interested in some kind of Bantustan democracy. Well aware of the enormous difficulties that you Palestinians are facing at present I wish to underling our concerned support for your democratisation process. I would especially like to stress the importance of all measures that WID facilitate and encourage Popular Participation.
Democracy starts in the hearts and minds of people.
In addition to the government bodies, civil society plays an important role in the promotion and consolidation of democracy. Free and independent media, trade unions and other associations and non-government organisations are instrumental in the enhancement of human rights and democracy. The Palestinian people has a unique chance to set an example to others in the region and to win increased international support. Ladies and Gentlemen The issue of collective punishment which the Israelis are continuing to employ is a clear transgression of the Geneva Convention. Through acts such as demolition of houses and the destruction of fruit orchards and olive grooves innocent people are severely punished for acts committed relatives or neighbours.