Mr. Abdallah started his presentation by saying that these elections are a turning point in the history of the Middle East. For the Palestinians, problems have increased since the signing of the Declaration of Principles in 1993. The principles upon which the peace process is based, should be respected. The outcome of these elections should not be considered as the end of the peace process. In a certain way, the job to achieve peace is now easier as it is becoming increasingly clear that the destiny of both peoples is at stake.
Peace is no longer a matter of policy but of conviction.
Palestinians have accepted that the Israelis cannot be driven into the sea and most Israelis do no longer consider the Palestinians as non-existent or as some kind of animals. Yet time to find a solution is short. The Intifadah is spontaneous. Nobody has incited it and nobody can stop it. During question time, Mrs Chazan remarked that Sharon's victory is based on the unrealistic hope of the Israeli people that he might have the solution that Barak was unable to deliver.