The aggression of another state constitutes a threat to national security. But threats to high national interests and security are not associated with the political system or internal administration. The right to freedom of expression and opinion from a human rights point of view, moreover, is the most fundamental of liberties, with freedom of the press the most important manifestation of this basic freedom. Violations of freedom of expression and opinion should be eliminated, as no contradiction exists between Palestinian nationalism, democracy and respect for human rights. In the Palestinian case current practice has diverged from a long-standing democratic tradition.
Democracy is indispensable for, and is indeed the very essence of nationalism.