• "One of the major reasons for the formation of the PFLP was the class perspective we gave the Palestinian and Arab struggle. Through experience we learned that the most oppressed classes - the workers, peasants, sections of the petit bourgeoisie, the Palestinians living in the refugee camps - are the ones most in contradiction with the imperialist, Zionist and reactionary alliance. It is they who carve history with determination that can persevere in this protracted war without wavering. " Comrade George Habash

The PFLP is a Marxist-Leninist organization that is an integral part of the Palestinian Resistance and the Arab national liberation movement. The Bulletin is the English language organ of the PFLP. It has been published monthly since March 1979 with the following aims: - presenting the. political line of the PFLP - providing current information and analysis of the Palestinian liberation struggle, as well as developments in the Arab World and on the international level - serving as a tool for building solidarity with progressive organizations, parties, national liberation movements and countries around the world Subscribing to the PFLP Bulletin is one way you can support these aims; so is encouraging comrades and friends to read and subscribe to the Bulletin. Another means for supporting our work is to write to us with your evaluations, suggestions and criticism concerning the Bulletin. In addition, back issues are available upon request. Of particular interest are two back issues which contain major PFLP policy statements of current relevance:

PFLP Bulletin No. 33 features a comprehensive interview with Comrade George Habash, General.Secretary, on the how and why of the PFLP's emergence in the context of the Arab National Movement and the Palestinian struggle. In this interview, Comrade Habash also deals with the question of transforming a petit bourgeois nationalist organization into a Marxist-Leninist party. PFLP Bulletin No. 42 contains a document on the relations between the PLO and the Jordanian regime, including our reasons for opposing these relations, and supplemented by the text of the "Framework for the joint work between the PLO and Jordan".

This issue features: - Socio-economic series: Palestinians under occupation in the Zionist state - Critique of the Israeli Labor Party platform - PLO general mobilization - LPM call for greater patriotic cooperation - Israeli military-industrial complex: global conn

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2 This issue was sent to print February 1 7, 1981 EDITORIAL The term 'Camp David' is often used to refer solely to the the EEC, however, would be as the West's spokesman and mediator US-sponsored peace treaty between Egypt and 'Israel'. However, it has with the Arab regimes, while continuing their efforts to divide the always been the position of the PFLP that Camp David was envisioned PLO. France in particular has been increasingly playing this role, as as the format for a broad regional settlement that would eventually demonstrated by their economic and military support to Iraq, strong ensure the uncontested hegemony of imperialism, Zionism and Arab ties to Saudi Arabia and elaborate hosting of Sadat after the European reaction over the peoples and resources of the Arab world. Sadat's Parliament. Indeed, an immediate aim of the Parliament was to issue capitulation to imperialism was an essential first step in this scheme, a the call for the reinstatement of Egypt into the ranks of the Arab step that is intended to pave the way for other forces in the area to reactionary regimes. The honors and applause heaped on Sadat by the follow. Camp David was never meant to be only a separate peace European capitalist countries culminated with the Parliament voting between 'Israel' and Egypt, but a basis for expansion. to "call upon the EEC Commission to propose to ministers measures Recent events, internationally and regionally, facilitate the moves that will enable Egypt to participate in the Euro-Arab dialogue." to expand Camp David. Chief among these is the election of Reagan. Not only does Reagan represent extreme right-wing elements who are Underlying these events is the increased maneuvering around the willing to take decisive steps to ensure US interests abroad, but his so-called Jordanian optiqn. The need for Hussein's participation in new administration has more room to maneuver in the Middle East any settlement, as a substitute for genuine PLO representation of the than did Carter's. Thus Reagan has announced his commitment to Palestinian people, has now been publicly called for by the US, Camp David, but at the same time has stressed the need for the Europe and the Israeli Labor Party. Arab reaction has long favored involvement of other forces, openly calling for King Hussein's parti­ Hussein, despite their rhetorical support for the PLO. Sadat, while cipation. realizing that the 'autonomy' plot has failed, does not want a purely The likely shift from a Likud to Labor government in 'Israel' also Jordanian solution that would undermine his role. The European signals the moves to expand Camp David. The platform and consti­ Parliament signalled to all parties that imperialism is not simply going tuency of the Likud has limited its ability to move forward with a to abandon Sadat for Hussein, but is instead busy laying the settlement that meets the needs of imperialism and Arab reaction. The framework for a settlement that includes both. Labor Party , with its traditional dominance over Israeli institutions Sadat's visit has clearly revealed the European initiative for what it and capital, has strong links to US ruling class circles. Its expressed is: an essential component of the plans of imperialism, Zionism and willingness for the 'Jordanian option' makes Labor a more fitting reaction for the Middle East, which include the destruction of the partner for the coming stage of the conspiracy. Palestinian Revolution and the denial of the Palestinian people's most However, before Camp David can advance to a new stage, there are basic rights. It is no accident that within a week of addressing the obstacles that must be overcome. The major obstacle is the heroic Parliament, Sadat launched an attack on the PLO. His call for the struggle of the Palestinian masses under occupation, who have stead­ formation of a "Palestinian government-in-exile" is a blatant attempt fastly resisted the implementation of the ·autonomy' plan in Gaza and to deny the indisputable fact that the PLO is the sole legitimate the West Bank. This has effectively deadlocked Camp David on the representative of the Palestinian people. By casting doubts on the PLO Palestinian level. The armed resistance in Lebanon and the patriotic and its leadership, Sadat is trying to give legitimacy to traitors and stand of Syria are also obstructing the plans of imperialism, Zionism collaborators. In addition, his speech at the Parliament called for and reaction. So does the isolation of Sadat in the Arab world. Eg} pt "simultaneous recognition" between 'Israel' and the PLO - a tradi­ is a crucial element for the re-formation of the official Arab solidarity, tional ruse to achieve the legitimation of the Zionist entity. so needed to impose an imperialist settlement contrary to the wishes The intensification of imperialist, Zionist and reactionary maneu­ and needs of the Arab masses. vers puts the onus on the Palestinian Resistance to strengthen its Thus it is in the context of all these international and local factors unified confrontation strategy - a strategy that not only rejects Camp that we must assess the meaning of Sadat's speech before the David, but, rejects all its various manifestations as well. In this context European Parliament on February lOth. First and foremost, this visit we welcome the decision of the PLO's Central Council, that met this was an acknowledgment of the failure of Camp David on the month, to convene the Palestine National Council on April 11th. This Palestinian level, and that other forces must therefore begin taking a PNC is a long-awaited necessity, in order for the Resistance to move more active part in the conspiracy. Sadat's very presence at the forward with the implementation of the political and organizational Parliament publicly signalled the overt reconciliation of what some programs decided on at the 14th PNC, held over two years ago. The forces have viewed as two opposing trends: the Camp David process coming stage demands a clarification, especially in regard to PLO­ and the European initiative. · Jordanian relations. The putting into practice of the national unity Sadat, fulfilling his role as a lackey of US imperialism, used his resolved upon at the 14th PNC is our strongest weapon in our speech to define the role of the European initiative in the context 01 confrontation with our enemies, as it raises the level of the struggle on Camp David. The European countries were asked to provide a the mass, military and political arenas. Our call for genuine political peace-keeping force in the Sinai, a point on the original Camp David and organizational unity is a call for an essential step on the road agenda, and to supply economic aid. The major role of Europe anJ towards liberation. • ERRATA - BULLETIN NO. 47 After sending the last Bulletin to our subscribers, we discovered that certain pages were missing in some copies, while other pages appeared twice. This due to a mistake in the printing house. We encourage any reader who received a faulty copy to write us for a free replacement. In the article 'Zionist-fascist aggression' in all copies of Bulletin No. 47, the two columns were reversed. We apologize for any confusion this mix-up may have caused.

3 PALESTINIANS UNDER OCCUPATION IN THE ZIONIST STATE Part Ill in the socio-economic series

To date, the establishment of 'Israel' in stantial means of recourse, on the other. CJn the economic level as well, the Zionist 1948 constitutes the single most decisive This local balance of forces was reinforced entity literally reaped the benefits of the event effecting socio-economic conditions in by the international recognition of 'Israel', Palestinian disaster. On August 1, 1948, the Palestine. This event marked a violent rup­ which relegated the status of the Palestinians Israeli Foreign Minister issued a statement to ture for the Palestinian Arab society. In the under occupation to that of an internal the effect that it was "economically unfea­ 1948 war, the Zionist military forces oc­ Israeli minority problem. sible" to allow the return of the Arabs. cupied the major part of Palestine. As a The market in Nazareth result, the majority of Palestinians were uprooted from their homes. Prior to the war, Zionist immigration had • ~ increased the Jewish population in Palestine to roughly 1/3 of the total population. However, when more then 700,000 of the approximately 900,000 Palestinians living in what became 'Israel' were dispersed in the war,* the situation was more than reversed. Almost overnight, those who remained within the borders of the new state became a minority in their own homeland. In a state created specifically for Jews and now inhabited mainly by Zionist settlers, Pales­ tinian Arabs accounted for 11-12% of the population. This article focuses on their situation, and especially on the changes in their socio­ economic conditions, which resulted from the first two decades of occupation. Zionist policy in these years is the primary causal factor underlying the changes that have occurred in the class structure of this part of the Palestinian people. These changes were to surface clearly in the seventies.

The spoils ofwar Palestinian urban concentrations were a prime target of the Zionist military strategy in the 1949 war. The major cities (Haifa, Jaffa, Acre on the coast and Tiberius and Safed in Eastern Galilee) were captured and 'de-Arabized' before the end of the British Mandate and the proclamation of 'Israel' on May 15th. Most Palestinians living in urban areas, where the nationalist political leader­ ship was based, were expelled or fled. The Arab armies entered Palestine after this essential fait accompli. After their with­ drawal and the 1949 armistice agreements, the contending sides in the unequal contest that has continued up to today were: the Zionist authorities, fully armed and financed by imperialism, on the one hand and the Palestinian· peasants, deprived of any sub-

4 Israeli documents reveal the extent to which Distribution of Palestinians living in 'Israel' in 1975 by district the theft of 'abandoned' Arab property contributed to the viability of the new state: Districts In addition to residences, 10,000 shops, 1. Northern businesses and warehouses were taken over. 2. Haifa Olives from Arab-owned groves became a 3. Central major Israeli export, ranking third after 4. Southern citrus fruits and polished diamonds in 1949. 5. Tel Aviv Akka Fruit harvested on Arab property accounted 6. Jerusalem for almost 10% of Israeli revenue from Haofa export in 1951. Of 370 settlements establi­ Legend: shed between 1948 and 1953, 350 were International boundary +++ Cease-fire line 1967 _ built on Arab land .1 Ironically, because of District boundary ___ these confiscations the resources of Palestine Sub-district boundary--- served to strengthen the hand of the occupiers vis-a-vis the remaining Palestinians.

Institutionalized subordination The significance of the creation of 'Israel' lies only partially in the destruction of the TetAVIV war and the radical demographic reversal Jaffa effected at this point. Equally important is that the Zionist efforts to conquer the land, labor and produce of Palestine were now Rehovot backed up by state power. Zionism's poli­ JORDIW tical, social and economic policies acquired the force of law - and law enforcement - through the Israeli state apparatus. The nature of this change influences one's ap­ proach in analyzing the socio-economic con­ ditions in Palestine, as has been noted by 4 Elias Zureik: "The model of internal­ This map is taken from the Sociolof(y of the colonialism when applied to the Arabs in 71. Naqab Palestinians, edited by Khalil Nakhleh and Elia @ Israel differs from the dual society model Zureik, London: Croom Helm Ltd. 1980. Beersheba applicable to pre-1948 Palestine."2 The Zionist movement clearly aimed to create an exclusively Jewish state. When a are paying you your wages as a 'watch­ supplemented by an intricate set of laws.4 portion of the Palestinian people managed to man' ... You have 'looked after' our land for The details of this legal structure are beyond cling to their land, the policy of the Zionist 2,000 years and we are paying you your the scope of this article; in effect, they 3 state was to subordinate them to the extent wages, but the land is ours" enabled the Zionist authorities "to steal that they would disappear or at least be about a million dunums of land from the eliminated as a distinct identity with politi­ Military rule and the present absentees Arabs who had remained in their country,"5 cal or economic power. The main method The Palestinians who remained were c

5 From peasant to semi-proletariat of residence ;11 and less than half worked in ceedings - a situation which often became In class terms, the net result of Israeli agriculture, but not until the seventies did a permanent. policy has been the proletarianization (or real shift occur in residence patterns. From Ironically, work became available due to more correctly the semi-proletarianization) 1948 onwards, 75% lived in rural areas; by a tendency within the Zionist settler of the bulk of the Palestinian peasantry. 1973, half lived in urban areas (defined as population to seek more profitable employ­ Many have been reduced to share-croppers on having a population of 50,000 or more ). 1 2 ment in the cities. These settlers leased their the land they once owned. The 1948 ex­ For the Palestinian, the process of dis­ land to Palestinian Arabs, who worked it in pulsion and the ensuing dispossession ex­ possession, proletarianization and urbani­ return for 1/3 of the harvest or less. Thus, plains the decrease in the ratio of inde­ zation did not follow the pattern seen in Zionist colonization reinstated the feudal pendent farmers from 75%in 1948 to about Europe with the rise of capitalism. Zionist relations prevailing before 1948. This pheno­ 15% in 197 6, as well as the increased colonization of Palestine marked capitalism's menon became so widespread that in 1967, percentage of hired laborers and seasonal penetration, yet it took a peculiar form. 'Israel' passed a new law to prevent the agricultural workers. 8 Dispossessed Palestinians initially remained Arabs' access to such land. Exploitation of In 1949 most of the Bedouin of the in their villages, working mainly in agri­ Arab labor also occurred in the kibbutz. As Naqab were confined to a reservation where culture at first and gradually moving into reflected in official statistics (as of 1977), only 4% of the land is cultivable. Most land marginal employment in service and pro­ 20% of the kibbutz agricultural work force is that is tilled by Bedouins today is leased duction. Only later did some join the ranks hired, and this is mostly Palestinian Arabs. from the government for eight months of the industrial working class. The nature Extensive use of hired labor on the kibbutz yearly. 9 Like most Palestinian villagers, the and pace of the change can be attributed to reflects the trend in Israeli agriculture main income for Bedouins today is wage the interaction between three factors: generally from basic diversified farming to labor in the Israeli economy. In the Galilee, more specialization, geared to export. Nazareth lost most of its land while its 1) The policy of 'Labor Zionism' as The Military Government played a major population tripled (15 ,000 to 45 ,000) from epitomized in the Histadrut trade union role in controlling where the colonized 1948 to 1974. Umm al Fahm, the largest federation population lived and worked. While emer­ Arab village in the Galilee, was reduced to 2) the Palestinians' attachment to their gency regulations were lifted for the 16,000 1/10 of its original land holdings, while its land and their limited social and geographic Arabs living in Jaffa, Acre, Haifa, Ramie and population more than quadrupled. mobility. Lydda in 19 51, they continued in the The productivity of those farmers who 3) the state's development policy and the Galilee. As well as being used to block access managed to retain some land has been needs of the Israeli economy to the land, the requirement of military severely restricted by Israeli state policy. Until 1960, the Histadrut admitted only permits was clearly designed to prevent the The remaining land was fragmented by Jews as members. Its activities vis-a-vis the increasing number of dispossessed un­ expropriation and often not adjacent to the Arab population were either to prevent their employed Palestinian Arabs from competing farmer's residence. This has limited utili­ employment or to have them fired under the with Jewish workers. For example, workers zation of modern techniques and machinery pretext of fighting non-union labor. This was from Nazareth had traditionally sought and often added travel time to working almost synonymous with no jobs, for the employment in Haifa, but after 1948, they hours. Until military rule was relaxed in the Histadrut is not solely a trade union. needed a permit to do so. sixties, permits were required for any step - Following its role as "a great colonizing Initially, the state's discriminatory deve­ going to the land, building anything, agency" - the words of Golda Meir - in lopment policy also served to keep the marketing, etc. Moreover, the market was pre-48 Palestine, the Histadrut became the Palestinian Arabs in their agricultural status. monopolized by Zionist companies that have second largest employer in 'Israel' next to No Arab village has ever been designated as a consistently paid lower prices for Arab the state: "an economic empire controlling development settlement, which would produce than for Jewish produce. Zionist much of the country's holding corporations, entitle it to tax concessions to attract hegemony in the economy enabled these banks, industrial concerns and agro­ investment. While 'Israel' claims to be a state firms to determine what crops the farmers industries... which among others, has a for all its citizens, much funding comes could grow if they wanted to market their department for labor unions." 13 through Zionist institutions, which have produce. The best-known of these marketing Thus, partially or totally divorced from their own rationale for serving the Jewish firms was a branch of Tnuvah, a Histadrut their means of production and prevented population, new immigrants in particular, cooperative. from unionizing, many Palestinian Arabs and not the original inhabitants of the Government aid to Arab agriculture is were forced to take 'black jobs' in the Israeli country. Just as Zionist monopoly of the negligible compared to the subsidies granted economy, where they were subject to economic structure subordinated Arab to Jewish agriculture. Though Arab villages extreme exploitation and bad working agriculture to the needs of the Jewish sector, still cultivate 22.6% of field crops in the conditions. Lack of job security and low similar mechanisms prevented development state (as of 1978), they are alloted only wages made moving into urban areas in Arab-populated regions, even when 1.98% of the national agricultural water difficult if not impossible even for those population growth warranted infrastructure consumption. 1 0 Thus, many smallholders who wished to do so. Many tended to and industry. The contrast between were semi-proletarianized, forced to supple­ remain in their original residence, as the Nazareth and Upper Nazareth highlights the ment their meager income from the land village and family structure provided their discrimination: with wage labor. only form of social security. Moreover, Nazareth, the largest all-Arab city in people generally remained attached to the 'Israel', has no factories. Those which A flexible work force land; many have challenged their expro­ existed under the Mandate were liquidated. As early as 1961, roughly 50% of Arab priation in the courts, but have taken on "The inability of the last large Arab-owned laborers worked in areas outside their place other jobs for the duration of the pro- company in Israel, the Arab Cigarette and

6 Tobacco Factory Ltd., in Nazareth, to categories, and often on a temporary basis. and then the Palestinians from the territories secure loans on the same terms as its Jewish When crises hit the Israeli economy in 1962 occupied in 1967, were needed to fill the competitors was a major factor in the and again in 1966, Arabs suffered most from gap. decision of its owners to liquidate their unemployment. However, the Zionists were careful to assets." 14 The sixties also saw a relaxation of maintain Jewish hegemony in key sectors. Upper Nazareth is an all-Jewish city military rule; permits were generally Palestinian Arab labor power was channeled established in 1956 on 1,200 dunums of the abolished in 1966, although such restrictions into light industry, construction and best land expropriated from Nazareth, are still imposed on political activists. This services, and restricted in heavy industry; purportedly for government offices, under change was elicited by the other Israeli they were banned from branches related to the Law for Acquisition of Land in the parties' resentment of the fact that the the military. In this respect their situation Public· Interest. Although its population Labor Party used the Military Government differed from the Oriental Jews, who were (18,000 in 1973) is much smaller than to its own advantage (manipulating permits not considered an inherent threat to Nazareth's, it houses major factories. It is and other privileges to gain votes among the Zionism. The Zionists calculated that it was significant that Upper Nazareth, as well as Arab population). On the whole, the Zionist easier to control a semi-proletariat, rather Carmie! and Maalot, the other two main leaders assumed that they had subordinated than allowing the Palestinian Arabs to Jewish development settlements built in the the Arabs under occupation to the extent become an integral part of the industrial Galilee, were erected under the supervision that it was now advisable to 'normalize' this working class, where they could affect key of the Defense Department. Clearly, Israeli relation. sectors of production through strikes, etc. development policy is aimed to Judaize These political considerations, which The following chart reflects the change in Palestine under the pretext of security. resulted in granting the Palestinians greater occupation of Palestinian Arabs in 'Israel':

Employed Palestinian Arabs Aged 14 years and over Pre-1967 Occupied Palestine

Economic Activity 1961 1966 1971 1976

Agriculture 47.9% 39.1% 21.2% 17.1% Forestry Fishing

Industry 14.7% 14.9% 12.3% 20.2% (mining and manufacturing)

Electricity .7% .8% .2% .3% and Water

Construction 15.6% 19.6% 22.0% 24.0% (building and public works)

Commerce 10.1% 19.4% 38.2% 47.1% Services Transportation

· mobility, corresponded to the Israeli This chart represents an estimate. Ii is Entry into industry economy's need for a larger manual labor based on the combination of tables provided The official entry of Palestinian Arabs force in industry, construction and services. in two sources: Palestinian Statistical into the working class in 'Israel' corres­ The sixties witnessed intensified industria­ Abstract 1980, PLO: Palestine National ponded to the Israeli economy's need for lization in 'Israel'; its economic structure Fund. Central Bureau of Statistics, Dama­ more unskilled labor. This required certain was becoming more similar to that of a scus, and The Palestinian National Move­ adjustments in the form of Zionist domi­ metro pol capitalist country. Foreign invest­ ment: 1948-1970, by Abdel Qadri Yassin nation. ment (as distinguished from outright aid) and Ahmed Sadeq, Salaladin Publisher, In 1960, the Histadrut began admitting rose sharply after the 1962 recession, and a 1978, Jerusalem (in Arabic). Arabs; at the end of 1962, 36,000 had special agreement with the EEC opened new If these percentages are broken down, joined; by 1972, 65% of Arab workers in avenues for Israeli export. In the same one sees that women account for less than 'Israel' were unionized. Official wage diffe­ period, the tendency of the Jewish popula­ 1O% of the registered Arab labor force as rentials between Arabs and Jews were tion of European origin towards increasing late as 1976. This does not mean that abolished, although other factors served to concentration in the professions and white­ women do not work. Among those posses­ retain the differences; Arabs were almost collar jobs became apparent. The P<:J.estinian sing some land, where the male members of exclusively employed in the lowest paying Arabs, like the Oriental Jews before them, the family take on wage labor, it falls to the ~

7 women to till the family plot. Social with stable employment. Some social by the resurgence of resistance as it erupted traditions have been reinforced by the state's facilities are simply not provided in "rural in the first Day of the Land, and by the non-development policy in Arab areas, areas". a classification which until recently radicalization reflected in Rakah 's victory in keeping women at home, as there are no encompassed the vast majority of the Pales­ the Galilee and the emergence of new organi­ accessible child care facilities. In those cases tinian Arabs. Access to urban housing and zations - the Sons of the Village, the Druze where women work outside the home, it is other services may be contingent on having Initiative Committee, the Progressive Arab most often in marginal part-time jobs. How­ done military service, from which Palestinian Student Movement. The occupation of the ever, this may be modified in line with the Arabs are generally excluded. (An exception rest of Palestine in 1967, which brought the needs of the Israeli economy ... "in recent is the Druze, whom the Israelis have tried to majority of the Palestinian people under years the government has taken steps to single out as non-Arabs, and some Bedouins direct Israeli rule, had important political introduce certain types of light industry into who serve in the border police.) implications for those living in 'Israel' since Arab villages; these enterprises are jointly 1948. The new conditions strengthened their owned by Jews and Arabs. They have been The implications of change identification and unity with the Palestinian designed, almost solely, to take advantage of Though Zionist policy was generally people as a whole. Considering the class what has ir. recent years been the only successful in dispossessing the native in­ changes that have occurred, which now also source of additional labor left in Israel - habitants of Palestine, it did not succeed in effect the Palestinians of the West Bank and Arab village women.'' 1 5 making them disappear. Many are still Gaza, these developments give a new per­ fighting for their land. and over time the spective to the struggle of the Palestinian Education and social services needs of the Israeli economy have led to people against ZiQnism. Zionist policy in other fields has essential­ their assuming a significant position in the ly reinforced the transformation of the process of production. This change has In this article. \\'e lzare concentrated on colonized peasantry into an unskilled labor implications for the course of Palestinian socio-economic conditions: the political reserve. For some of the reasons discussed struggle against Zionist colonization. as well dCI'e!opment and resistance o( the Pales­ earlier for the general lack of development in as for the Zionist entity's efforts to control tinian people under occupation since 1948 predominantly Arab areas, education has its Arab population. has not been included. In coming issues ll'e received minimal support compared to what An important aspect of Zionist policy ll'ill focus on this aspect. as we continue the has been accorded Jewish citizens. This was vis-a-vis the colonized population has been series on socio-economic comli tions in Pales­ reflected in official Israeli reports in the its efforts to control them through the tine. seventies, which showed that about one cooptation of traditional leaders. This was I. Don Pcrctl. !\rae/ amJ 1hc f'alew·nian Arahs, quarter of Arab youth in 'Israel' do not originally possible because of the extensive Washington. 1958. p. 143 complete elementary school, as compared to arbitrary power exercised by the Military 2. l·lia Zureik. "To\\ ;nd a Sociology of the about 4% of Jewish youth. This was attri­ Government. Through a selective policy of Palestinians". Journal of lblesline S!udies 24, buted to lack of adequate facilities and granting or withholding permits or occa­ Summer 1977. p. 10 3. Abu A'sam m a/ !111had. July 15. 1966. as qualified teachers. What was not really dealt sional other 'privileges', military governors printed in Journal of Pa/cslinc Swdies 8. Summer with is the effect of the curriculum itself; it were able to secure the cooperation of 1973. p. 82 is designed in accordance with Zionist ideo­ traditional village leaders in curtailing resis­ 4. !·or a detailed naminatlon of lhnc la\\s, sec logy with which the colonized youth do not tance or getting votes for Zionist parties. Sabri Jiryis. The Arahs in Israel. Beirut: The identify. Moreover, teachers are often Though the Zionists boast of bringing Institute for Palestine Stud1es. 1968. (An updated dismissed or blacklisted, which contributes modernization and democracy to Palestine, edition was published in I nglish by Monthly Revie"" Press. 1976 ). their interests were in preserving the tradi­ to teacher shortage. Another factor involved 5. ibid, p. 56 is that children often begin working at an tional social patterns, which made it easier 6. Ta\\ fiq Zayyad. "The !·ate of the Arabs in early age due to the precarious economic to divide and rule the colcnized. Thus, they Israel". Journal of Pah•sfine Swdies 21. Autumn situation of many Arab families. supported feudal leaders and encouraged 1976, p. 94 This situation limits the number of edu­ village rivalries. 7. Adnan Abed I lra;ik, Riyad Amin and Uri Davis. "Problems of Palcstiniam in Israel", Joumal cated. Moreover, the Ministry of Education In line with the class changes effected in of Palestine Studies 27. Spring 1978. p. 33 has set quotas as to how many Arabs can the colonized population, the Histadrut 8. Flias Shoufani. presentation at a symposium enter certain schools and fields of study. In replaced the role of the Military Government in 1976 sponsored by Palestinian AJ.(airs (the PLO 1975, Palestinian Arabs accounted for only in the sixties. The group targeted for Research Center's monthly Arabic journal) as 2.23% of students enrolled in higher edu­ cooptation shifted to young 'promising' reported in Journal of Palesline Studies 19120, Spring 'Summer 1976, p. 230 cation, although Arabs accounted for 15% of Arabs, particularly those with education. 9. Ian Lustik, Arabs in the Jewish Slate, the population of 'Israel' in that year. The The Histadrut tried to win their allegiance to Cnivcr~it} of Te,as Press. 1980. p. 196 ccmparison with Palestinian educational 'Israel' and get them to influence others in 10. Llra7ik, Amin and Davis. op. cil .. p. 34 achievements in other countries makes it the same direction. Today, controlling 11. Ilia Zureik, 'Tram Peasant to Proletariat", obvious that these conditions are caused by educated Palestinian Arabs and infiltrating Journal of Palestine Studies 21. Autumn 1976, p. 56 Zionist policy, aiming to prevent the develo­ the ranks of the labor force is as important 12. ibid, p. 48 pment of Palestinian Arab intellectuals and to the Zionists as controlling the village 13. Uri Davis, Israel: Utopia Incorporated, qualified manpower. society originally was. As earlier with the London, Zed Press, 1977, p. 142 Various mechanisms have restricted the Jewish settlers, the Histadrut's aim is to 14. Ian Lustik, op. cit .. p. 164, colonized population's access to social regulate the working class and to prevent the 15. ibid, p. 184 development of proletarian consciousness. services. The Histadrut controls health * Estimates vary concerning the exact number insurance, which was thus first available to In the seventies, Zionist control over its of people living in this part of Palestine. This them after 1960, and then only to those internal colony has been seriously challenged represents a conservative estimate. •

8 JERUSALEM ELECTRIC FOLLOW-UP

Our masses in the occupied homeland are lectured at the Hebrew university, on an and the Polytechnic Institute in Hebron, determined to preserve the national charac­ invitation from the Arab Students Com­ renewed the support of the student move­ ter of the Jerusalem District Electric mittee. ment to the mass struggle to preserve the Company (J DEC). They are challenging the The union also organized a mass rally in company. He called on the Palestinian decision of the Zionist occupation autho­ the J DEC offices in Jerusalem, which was masses to unite in order to foil the plots of rities to take over the company, the largest attended by representatives of the patriotic the enemy. In his speech, Haj Abed Abu Palestinian economic enterprise remaining in municipalities in the West Bank, by profes­ Thiab reviewed the history of the company all of Palestine. Palestinian workers, repre­ sional, student and trade unions, and by a and the developments that followed the sented by the Union of the Workers and huge number of supporters. The Zionist decision to confiscate it. He also informed Employees of the . JDEC, are playing a authorities prevented Karim Khalaf (mayor the rally that the occupation authorities had leading role in this struggle. of Ramallah), Ibrahim Tawil (mayor of a! prohibited representatives of the J DEC History of the Union Birch) and Abel Gheim (head of the General workers union from travelling outside of In 1954, the workers and employees of Federation of Trade Unions - GFTU - in Palestine or receiving any financial support. the company formed a committee. At that the West Bank) from attending the rally by A communique was issued at the end of time, there were 80 employees in the JDEC. placing them under house arrest. the rally, emphasizing the following points: In 1956, the committee was officially The speakers at the rally, Jamil Tarifi - Rejection of the Israeli decision to registered as a trade union and held its first (deputy mayor of Ramallah) and Ibrahim take over the company elections in 1957. Fayez Qlaibu, the head of Dagag (representing the GFTU), hailed the - Refusal to work or cooperate with any the union at that time, described its continuous struggle of the company workers non-Arab authority that runs or supervises conditions... "We faced a variety of pro­ and expressed full support to the cause. the J DEC in case of a take-over which blems and difficulties. We did not have Another speaker, representing the students changes its character. premises and we were subject to oppression of Bir Zeit university, al Najah university - Refusal to compromise any of the by the authorities (Jordanian-our note) that legitimate rights of the company. did not want any trade unions to be JDEC RULING - Rejection of any agreements that have On February 16th, the Israeli Supreme formed... We struggled to gain health direct or indirect political implications or Court issued its ruling on the take-over of insurance for the workers ... " The present effects on the rights of our people and the the JDEC. The decision, presented as a head of the union, Haj Abed Abu Thiab, national character of the company. compromise, grants 'Israel' the right to take describes the situation as of today ... "After - The problem of the company was over the company's concession to supply the occupation (June 1967) the union caused by the take-over decision and can power within Jerusalem, as 'Israel' has continued its work. More and more workers be solved by cancelling this decision. claimed sovereignty over the city, but entered the union. The membership now The rally pledged full support to the prevents the take-over of the remaining West exceeds 400." The union has succeeded in company workers and their union in their Bank concession. The J DEC has appro­ expanding the workers' health insurance firm stand against compromising any part of ximately 40,000 subscribers in Jerusalem, program so that it covers eye and dental the company's concession. and 30,000 elsewhere in the West Bank. care, as well as 75% of hospitalization costs. We hail the continuous heroic struggle of The workers union of the JDEC imme­ In 1972 and 1975, the union organized our masses and especially the workers of the diately issued a statement rejecting the strikes to protest the firing of workers. In JDEC, who are fighting in the forefront of ruling. both cases, the company was forced to our battle against the Zionist occupation .• cancel its decision about lay-offs. Mass support TEACHERS STRIKE CONTINUES In the past few weeks, delegations repre­ The West Bank teachers strikes are still communique containing the following: senting all sectors of our masses in the going on. The teachers of the UNRWA - The GCTPS is the only party that is occupied homeland have visited the offices schools went on strike Dec. 4, 1980, and the authorized to represent the teachers and of the JDEC to express their condemnation teachers of the public schools on Dec. 23rd. speak in their name of the Zionists' proposed take-over, and Neither strike seems to be coming to an - Because the Zionist authorities their solidarity with the struggle of the end very soon, as the teachers have announ­ continue to ignore the demands of the company workers. The delegations are ced their determination to continue until teachers ... the committee resolves that the always received by members of the executive their demands are met. On their part, the strike will continue ... The committee calls committee of the union, who explain the Israeli and UNRWA authorities have stub­ on all the teachers assigned to correct the dangers posed by the proposed take-over, bornly refused to meet any of the teachers' papers of the General Secondary Exam not and the role of the workers in confronting demands. The military occupation autho­ to do so. We also call on them to convene in the Zionist plans in order to protect the rities have gone even further and announced Nablus on their first day of work to national character of the company. that they will punish striking teachers. But announce their united position in support or The union has organized a series of this has not deterred the militant teachers, the strike. activities aimed at exposing the planned who have vowed to continue their strike In accordance with the call of the com­ Zionist confiscation. In early February, the despite Zionist threats. mittee, the teachers who were supposed to head of the union Haj Abed Abu Tltiab The strike will continue correct papers went to Nablus and announ- delivered a speech at a mass gathering in The General Committee of the Teachers ced that they would not correct the exam Ramallah, where he confirmed the workers' of the Public Schools (GCTPS) in the West papers, and that the GCTPS is their represen- ...._ rejection of the proposed take-over. He also Bank met on January 17th, and issued a tative and the only party authorized tor'

9 speak in their name. national Red Cross in Jerusalem. The strikers themselves forced to go on strike to defend The occupation authorities offered to issued a press release explaining their living their work conditions and to protect negotiate with these teachers in an attempt conditions " ... The average monthly income education in the West Bank." aimed at splitting their unity. The teachers for teachers is 1500 Israeli shekels. 34 IS are The Teachers Committees condemned this attempt and refused to deducted for health insurance. As well , the The teachers had tried several times in the negotiate except through their represen­ teacher has to pay for rent, water and past to form a body that would organize tative, the GCTPS. electricity, in addition to transportation their struggle. All their attempts failed The iron fist costs that sometimes reach 300IS a month. because of the position of the occupation Faced with the failurt' of their attempts The remaining salary cannot, under any authorities, who deprived them of their right to break the strike, and confronted with the conditions, satisfy the minimum needs of to unionize. However, in the midst of their teachers' firm united stand, the occupation the teacher and his family ... Despite the fact struggle, the teachers found the answer: An authorities raised the iron first. At the that we and teachers in Israel are living organizational body was formed and a beginning of the strike, the Military under similar conditions, the average leadership emerged. The teachers formed Governor of the West Bank had issued a monthly income of an Israeli teacher is regional Teachers Committees, that organized decree banning the teachers from organizing 3800IS... According to the Israeli Central the strikes on the local level. A central or participating in any strikes or public Bureau of Statistics, a family of four needs a committee (the GCTPS) was formed in the meetings. Any teacher that violated the monthly income of 4800IS to meet the basic West Bank, and recognized by all the striking decree was threatened with jail or a fine . The needs of life ... Facing daily sufferings and teachers and local committees as their issuing of the decree was followed by an aware of the consequences, teachers found spokesman. arrest campaign. More than eleven teachers Now the teachers are not asking that the were arrested and charged with agitating MASS SUPPORT FOR Zionist authorities give them permission to other teachers to challenge the decree. The THE UNRWA TEACHERS practice their right to unionize and strike. Instead, they are taking the rna tter into their occupation authorities also announced their The patriotic mayors of the West Bank, own hands, and forming their own represen­ intention to put all 52 members of the the professional and workers unions and the tative body in the appropriate manner. Thus, teachers committees on trial on charges of student movement sent a memorandum to the occupation authorities have found them­ resisting the orders of the Military Governor the UNRWA authorities expressing their selves confronting the firm and united stand and continuing an "unauthorized strike'" solidarity with the striking teachers. The of the teachers. under the leadership of the The occupation forces burst into educational memorandum stated that the teachers are GCTPS. institutions and public places to break up "exercizing a legitimate right to achieve a The battle of the teachers is the battle of teachers' gatherings. One of the places legitimate goal, which is improving their all the Palestinian people. Without the firm attacked was the Ramallah municipal living conditions." It went on to say that and active support of our masses and the building, where several teachers were they "held the UNRWA authorities respon­ revolution, the teachers cannot continue arrested. sible for the causes of the strike and for the their strike . Patriotic and progressive forces, The blow that does not kill you, strengthens consequences of the measures that may be inside and outside the occupied land, are you used to break it.'' The memo ended with an called on to contribute all they can to The iron fist policy of the Zionist occupa­ urgent call to UNRWA to resolve the making the teachers strike a victory for us tion authorities has backfired. In response to problems. the oppressive policies, the teachers reaf­ all. • firmed their determination to continue the strike, and a new wave of mass support MILITARY OPERATIONS arose. January 1Oth: Palestinian militants, opera­ at the station. Israeli forces surrounded the The committees of the teachers in ting in the Gaza Strip, attacked a vehicle town, imposed a curfew, searched houses, Ramallah and al Khalil held a joint emer­ belonging to the Israeli Border Guards. and arrested scores of Palestinians. gency meeting to discuss the repression. At Three guards were injured and the vehicle February 2nd: Palestinian revolutionaries the end of the meeting, they issued a com­ damaged. Security forces closed off the area from units operating in the occupied munique containing the following: for 24 hours and a number of Palestinians homeland, attacked an enemy mobile patrol - Condemnation of the arrests of their were arrested. near the Gaza Strip municipality, using hand fellow teachers January 11th: Palestinian commandos ambu­ grenades. Several members of the patrol - Continuing the strike until all their shed an Israeli security officer near J abaliya were killed or injured. The enemy soldiers demands are met camp in the Gaza Strip, killing him, and opened fire in all directions from their - Abiding by the decisions of their taking his weapons and documents. Israeli vehicle, wounding a number of Palestinians representative, the GCTPS troops closed off the camp and arrested present in the area, and killing one. The student movement, the munici­ dozens of Palestinians on suspicion of invo­ Week of February 7-13: A Palestinian unit in palities of the West Bank and other patriotic lvement in the operation. Our militants the occupied land attacked a Zionist settler institutions announced their condemnation returned safely to base. in al Khalil and expropriated his weapons. of the oppressive measures of the occupation January 16th: Palestinian militants attacked The military authorities cordoned off the authorities, and declared their solidarity an Israeli police station in Abasan, in the old section of the city, imposed a curfew with the teachers and their support of their Gaza Strip. Using automatic weapons, the and conducted a house-to-house search. demands. commandos took control of the station, Israeli explosive experts defused a time­ Why the strike removing the Israeli flag and flying the Pales­ bomb planted near Silwad in the West Bank. In early February the teachers organized tinian flag in its place. Before leaving the A curfew was imposed and many Pales­ a sit-in strike at the premises of the Inter- area, our militants confiscated the weapons tinians arrested. •

10 1977 election, when Begin and the Likud ISRAELI LABOR PARTY coalition were voted in. It was Labor that led the drive to colonize Palestine, estab­ lished the Zionist entity in 1948, launched PLATFORM the 1967 war, and spearheaded the settle­ ments and land expropriations in the West In December 1980, the Israel Labor Party The Jordanian/Labor Option: Expanding Bank and Gaza, as well as the Judaization of held its third elected congress and issued Camp David the Galilee. Thus when Labor says that "the proposed political resolutions. While Labor's The moves to implement the Jordanian achievement of permanent peace is the platform is not substantially different from option have daily been becoming more central aim of Israeli policy in the days its past positions, current events in the obvious. The new US Administration is not ahead", they mean essentially the same thing region and internationally give the resolu­ as tied to the specifics of the Camp David as the Likud - a peace based on Zionist tions particular importance. More than ever framework as was Carter, and so will have hegemony and colonization. before, the Labor Party's proposals for more flexibility in expanding it. Reagan has The recently issued Labor Party platform settling the Palestinian question must be already publicly spoken of the need to contains 44 resolutions. The positions taken seen as inherently linked to the need of include Jordan in the 'peace' process, while are the familiar ones: full commitment to Zionism, Arab reaction and imperialism to King Hussein has announced his desire to Zionism; defensible borders and refusal to expand and consolidate a Camp David-style visit Washington. On the European level, the return to pre-1967 borders; united (i.e. settlement in the Middle East. European initiative has clearly emerged as occupied) Jerusalem; rejection of the PLO another link in the chain of an expanded and a Palestinian state; consolidation and The Limitations of Camp David Camp David, with the role of pushing for development of settlements in the Jordan It is in this context that we are now Jordanian, Labor Party and token Pales­ Valley, the Etzion block, (south of Jeru­ witnessing attempts to reactivate a set­ tinian participation in a settlement. This was salem), Jerusalem, southern Gaza and the tlement based on the Jordanian option, or clearly stated at the Socialist International Golan Heights; acceptance of UN resolutions what should really be referred to as the conference this past November, which called 242 and 338 as the basis of negotiations; etc. Jordanian/Labor Party option. The driving for " ... all Arab countries and Israel to In this context it should be noted that Labor force behind these maneuvers is the failure consider their responsibilities and follow the interprets UN resolution 21-2 as legitimizing of the Camp David treaty to achieve its full courageous initiative of President Sadat by continued Zionist control over Jerusalem goals. Our masses in the occupied land have immediately opening talks to reach an early and parts of the occupied territories, con­ blocked implementation of the 'autonomy' solution in agreement with resolutions 242 tinued Zionist military presence, and no plan. The separate peace with Egypt - while and 338 of the United ations. We call on recognition of the PLO or a Palestinian a coup for imperialism has not in fact all neighboring countries, and particularly entity. provided the stability needed to guarantee Jordan, to assume their responsibilities and There are, however, three additional areas imperialism's interests in the region. Nor has start negotiations with Israel. .. " (our italics) dealt with that relate directly to the current it led to the development of the overt The goal of legitimizing King Hussein as a maneuvers of imperialism, Zionism and economic relationship so desired by 'Israel', spokesman for the Palestinian people has reaction. First is resolution #36, which calls ·ome Arab regimes and international capital: been actively pushed on the Arab level. The for developing relations with the EEC and he linkage of Israeli technology, Arab recent Arab summit in Amman had this end striving for associate member status, while petro-dollars and cheap Arab labor. in view, but the reactionary regimes were also criticizing the EEC's "leniency" towards The main obstacle to the achievement of thwarted by the boycott of the Stead­ the PLO. It is clear that Labor recognizes the hese goals is the Palestinian Resistance, in fastness and Confrontation Front, especially essential role the European capitalist the occupied land and outside, mainly in Syria and the PLO. countries have in bringing about an ex­ Lebanon. However, the Camp David process It is in the context of these maneuvers for panded Camp David. It is just as clear that fa es other, more resolvable, obstacles: its imposing an imperialist. Zionist and reac­ the European countries recognize the im­ f ilure to adequately resolve Arab reaction's tionary settlement on the Palestinian people portant role of Labor for achieving a reac­ e .. ondary contradictions with Zionism, and that the Labor Part} ·s likely return to power tionary settlement in the region. The same the Begin government's lack of flexibility. in the coming Israeli elections is so im­ meeting of the Socialist International that The coming to power of a Labor government portant. The proposals of the Labor Party issued a call for Jordanian participation also olves the latter problem, while expanding for reaching a settlement have always been made the following statement: "We consider Camp David to include Jordan may provide the other side of the Jordanian coin, as can the Israeli Labor Alignment, under the the facade needed for Arab reaction to be seen by companng Labor's Allan plan leadership of Shimon Peres, the only viable totall) capitulate, provided that the Pales­ and Jordan's United Arab Kingdom plan. force for peace for and with Israel. .. " tmian Resistance is weakened politically and Thus for Hussem to be uccessfully put Secondly is resolution #8, which calls for militarily. This leaves the Resistance facing forward as a negotiator for the Palestinian a "peace agreement with independent \O forms of attack simultaneously. The people, there m 1st be a Labor coalition in Lebanon according to the existing borders fir t is aimed at eliminating the mass resis­ power that is \\ illing to meet him halfway. between the two States." This is a very ance in the occupied land, and crushing the tactical resolution. By accepting the existing rmed resistance in Lebanon. The second is Zionist Peace: The Labor Party's Platform borders, and denying Zionist desires to the political side of the first: undermining The Zionist ruling class has always been expand to the Litani river, Labor is legiti­ he PLO's role as the sole legitimate repre­ constituted in the Alignment coalition, mizing the claims of the Lebanese fascists ent<~tive nf the P

11 Palestinian Resistance. Also, by stating that to be co-opted into the negotiations... Jiryis actually came out with a statement they will negotiate with "independent In accordance with its aspirations to put assessing the Labor Party's platform as a Lebanon", they are echoing the fascist cry an end to the Israel-Arab conflict, the Labor positive step. He bases this appraisal on the for the removal of the Palestinian Resistance Party will be prepared, as in the past, to fact that Labor did not assert the need for and the Arab Deterrent Forces. enter upon talks with Palestinian persona­ all of the occupied territories to be directly Most relevant, however, to the current lities and factors recognising Israel and linked to 'Israel', as does the Likud. The conspiracies are the resolutions on Jordan, rejecting methods of terror. reality is, however, that Labor accomplishes reprinted here: the same goals as the Likud, but uses dif­ These resolutions speak for themselves. ferent tactics: 1) creating economic linkage 11) The Labor Party rejects the policy of Their only difference from the Likud is that and dependency, instead of outright "not an inch" in regard to the West Bank instead of 'autonomy', they envisage a set­ domination, and 2) shifting actual rule over and Gaza, which may jeopardize the peace tlement based on overt J ordanian-Zionist part of the occupied territories to the hands prospects. In the election campaign for the collaboration and domination over the of the Jordanian regime. This more 'flexible' 1Oth Knesset, the Labor Party will call upon people and resources of Palestine. Hussein's position in fact reflects Labor's closer the people to grant the Government of Israel reactionary rule would be strengthened, as relationship to imperialism, and its willing­ a mandate to sign, with confirmation of the would Zionism's entrenchment and legiti­ ness to be responsive to the needs of the US. Knesset, a peace treaty with Jordan based on mation. This so-called Jordanian-Palestinian Jiryis also sees Labor's resolution on reco­ territorial compromise in accordance with state does not come near to satisfying the gnizing Lebanon's borders as positive, while the Labor Party's programme. most minimal demands of our people. There it is clear that this resolution plays into the 13) Israel, aware of the existence of the is no recognition of the PLO or the Pales­ hands of the fascists, as mentioned earlier. Palestinian problem, will be prepared to tinian right to self-determination. The Pales­ Another example comes from Issam contribute to its solution in the framework tinian people have not struggled for decades Sartawi, who is a political advisor in the of a Jordanian-Palestinian state, where the to have a J ordanian-Zionist puppet state PLO, and like Sabri Jiryis, a member of the selfidentity of the Palestinian Arabs can created in their name, a state whose sole Palestine National Council. He was the find its expression and the refugee problem function would be to support and legitimize PLO's political observer at the Socialist its solution. The Jordanian-Palestinian State the policies of imperialism, Zionism and International conference in November - the will extend over the territorial space of reaction. conference that issued the call to Jordan and Trans-Jordan and defined densely populated the Labor Party quoted earlier. Sartawi parts of the West Bank and Gaza to be Confronting The Conspiracy Requires A responded to the Socialist International's evacuated by the Israeli Defence Forces United Stand resolutions by reiterating the necessity of upon the conclusion of peace. The role that the PLO and patriotic Arab including the PLO in any peace process, and Israel rejects the establishment of an forces are called upon to play is clear: gave the following reason for the PLO's additional Palestinian State in the territory unified rejection of all manifestations of involvement in such initiatives: "Inter­ between Israel and Jordan which would be a Camp David, including the European initia­ national stability, prosperity and security source of danger and hostility and per­ tive, the Labor Party's proposals and the and particularly that of West Europe and petuate the conflict instead of leading to its Jordanian option. The success of this stra­ Japan is dependent upon a peaceful and solution. The Palestinian problem cannot be tegy was exemplified in the patriotic stable Middle East. This is why we are calling solved in a separate State without the terri­ boycott of the Amman summit, where we upon Europe and Japan and also upon the tory and population of Jordan, the majority were able to block the maneuvers of the Socialist International, to play a more active of which is Palestinian. reactionary regimes. However, there are role in helping all concerned parties achieve 14) The territory of the Jordanian­ areas where the PLO has not achieved the peace." Palestinian State is to be demilitarized, and needed clarity and unity in confronting This statement of Sartawi's is a betrayal foreign armies must not cross the Jordan these conspiracies. Chief among them is the of the Palestinian people, who are not en­ westwards. Demilitarization is not to stand continued existence of the PLO-Jordanian gaged in a struggle for national liberation in in the way of agreed security arrangements Joint Committee, which countenances order to guarantee "stability, prosperity and involving Israeli presence. Jordanian interference in the struggle of our security" for the capitalist countries. Both 15) The peace between Israel and the people (see Bulletin No. 42 for a detailed Sartawi's and Jiryis's statements are mis­ Jordanian-Palestinian State shall be based critique of this relationship). leading and dangerous, and are even the upon mutual respect for the sovereignty, Moreover, although the PLO unanimously more so as they represent a trend in the structure and internal regime of each of the adopted political and organizational pro­ PLO. No part of Palestine - not the West two States within its borders, without inter­ grams at the 14th Palestine National Coun­ Bank, Gaza or Haifa - will ever be truly vention in the authority of and without cil, it has not forced members to adhere to liberated by a policy of appeasing imperia­ endangering each other. them. Recently, certain right-wing elements lism or closing one's eyes to the true nature 16) Israel will make endeavours so as to in the PLO have felt emboldened to speak and role of Zionism, be it the Likud or make the peace with Jordan open up an era out in a manner that does not serve our Labor in power. For this reason the PLO of fruitfUl cooperation between them people's struggle. Rather than confronting must take a unified stand against all these Efforts shall be made to obtain resources, and exposing the dangers that the recent conspiracies, and ensure that its members locally and internationally, to finance deve­ initiatives from Europe and the Labor Party stand by the resolutions of the PNC. It is lopment projects, refUgee rehabilitation and bring, positive statements have been made through our unity, our arms and our exploitation of natural resources. that can only serve to weaken our position. adherence to our call for a democratic 17) Authorised representatives of the One example of this has come from Sabri secular state that we will achieve genuine inhabitants of the West Bank and Gaza are Jiryis, head of the PLO Research Center. self-determination. •

12 LIKUD'S SETTL_EMENT The virtual collapse of the Likud coali­ According to the London Guardian, the tion government is now an accepted reality, Likud is planning to create ten new set­ finalized by the setting of general elections DRIVE tlements in the West Bank, most along the for June 30th. Begin's loss of popular axis they have focussed on since 1977: J enin support is due mainly to his inability to took office. In 1977 there were 3,200 Jews in the north, through Nablus, Ramallah, control the worsening economic situation, living in 24 West Bank settlements, while Bethlehem, Jerusalem and a] Khalil in the particularly the spiralling rate of inflation. today there are 17,400 in 68 settlements. south. In one month alone, (Jan.7-Feb.7), Another weakness of his government is the the West Bank military authorities expro­ failure to successfully implement the 'auto­ Last-ditch land grab priated 3,700 acres west of Nablus, 2,000 nomy', or self-rule, plan in the West Bank or Begin's immediate response to Labor's acres near Tubas, 3,750 acres around Jenin, Gaza. The series of resignations that have ascendancy has been a desperate attempt to as well as 3,150 acres of land surrounding shaken the Likud coalition and deprived it massively increase the settlements and set­ existing settlements that are marked for of a majority are more the results of these tlers in the occupied territories in the few expansion. This has been called the "largest weaknesses than the cause. months remaining to him. In a recent press Israeli land grab since the 1967 war." conference, a West Bank Palestinian attorney In addition to creating new settlements, Secondary contradictions within Zionism linked the drive to US president Reagan's part of the Likud's drive is constructing new, It seems likely that in July, a Labor statement that settlements are legal, and more permanent, houses in existing set­ government will once again be in power. said: "I think that he gave the Israelis the tlements, so that each settlement has a However, Begin and his followers are doing green light. The government knows it is minimum of 60 families. Three thousand all in their power to consolidate their going out, and it wants to create facts on the private homes are being built in the settle­ constituency, so that He rut and similar ground before the elections. They know that ments of Karnei Shomron, a1 Kana and parties can continue to play their classical if a Labor government finds everything Shavei Shomron alone. This requires both role as an opposition force within the prepared, it will not cancel what has been money and new settlers. The original official Zionist political structure, where their role is done." Indeed, the Labor Party may not in budget for settlements in 1980-81 vvas 350 o press for the extreme demands of the fact be too unhappy with the Likud's million shekels (8 shekels = 1 dollar), but as revisionist Zionist trend. current land grab as, by contrast, it provides of January 20th the World Zionist Organi­ Today the clearest difference between the Labor with a more flexible and moderate zation has requested an additional 237.4 Likud coalition and the Labor alignment can image, internally and internationally. In million shekels. However, because red-tape e seen in their positions towards the addition, the settlements could be used as and opposition from within the Knesset has o cupied territories. While both trends are bargaining cards in future negotiations, slowed the release of funds, the Settlement ~ommitted to Zionist hegemony, Labor is allowing Labor to make concessions while Subcommittee has gone so far as to offer illing to cede some land to Jordan (see retaining the settlements they consider private contractors land in Jerusalem in nicle in this Bulletin on the J ordruian/ essential. exchange for immediate construction and La or Party option). Begin's supporters are expansion of settlements elsewhere! The ied around the call for Greater Israel, Guard tower at Kaddum settlement, where the Jewish Agency Settlement Department has settlers added a Star of David, which can be lighred h includes the West Bank and Gaza, and ar night in full vie\\' of the Palestinian peasants of initiated a campaign to attract settlers, using prefer the so-called autonomy solution, the surrounding area. the slogan: "Build your nest in the Jordan nteeing outright Israeli possession of Valley". Among the incentives being offered land of the occupied territories. On a to settlers are an air-conditioned house, _ =al level these ideological differences water quotas, 20 dunams of land and e manifested themselves in varying set­ financial credit. - ent politicies. While Labor has initiated • most settlements oyer-all (76 settlem.ents Settlements: Zionist weapons June 1967 to July 1977), they have For the Palestinian people, the current .n placed in such a manner as to 'create wave of land expropriations is a confir- for an eventual political settlement mation of the fact that 'Israel' has no = the lines of the Allon Plan (see intention of loosening its grip over the e in "'o. 41 ). Under the Likud govern­ occupied territories. Settlements are not since 1977, not only have settlements isolated outposts with little effect on the sified ( 44 new settlements in the West Arab population. On the contrary, they are in 3 years), but they are being built in tools for repeating the process of coloni­ - _ around densely populated Arab areas, in zation that took place in the part of Pales­ er to create a different set of 'facts': the tine occupied since 1948. Loss of land and amnion and outright annexation of the resources leads to economic destruction, Bank and Gaza. According to a dependency and emigration. ember 1980 Israeli government memo­ Elias Khoury, the Palestinian lawyer urn. more than five times as many Jews quoted earlier, now has eight new land e in the West Bank than when the Likud ~ 13 seizure cases pending, entailing more than Settlements are the spearhead of the context the current increase in settlements 10,000 acres of Arab land. After having Zionist colonizing efforts, regardless of cannot solely be seen as a power struggle handled thousands of such cases in Israeli whether they are established by the Likud or between the Likud and Labor, or an courts, he says, "It is not a legal question by Labor. They are a weapon used against assertion of revisionist Zionism. Rather, it is any more. It is a question of whether Pales­ our masses in the occupied lands, who are part and parcel of the escalation of imperia­ tinians will live in this area or will not live in heroically struggling to stay on their land lism's, Zionism's and reaction's attacks on it. It is a political question." and assert their Palestinian identity. In this the Palestinian Revolution. • PLO GENERAL MOBILIZATION The lessons gained from the victories of the student level. This is clearly seen by the the efforts of the PLA by providing training the people in Vietnam, Angola, Nicaragua, large number of students participating. The and other facilities. This flexibility was due and throughout the world testify that mobilization has brought the students closer to the Resistance organizations experience in popular mobilization is an essential prere­ to the Revolution, while at the same time it guerrilla warfare. The continuation of the quisite for victory. In the fall of 1980, the has enriched the revolutionary potential of general mobilization should provide the PLO announced the full mobilization of the GUPS. The socialist countries respected the opportunity for gradually restructuring the Palestinian people. This is the first time that decision of the PLO and gave Palestinian PLA to become a popular liberation army, the PLO has called for general mobilization, students a leave of absence from their unified with the forces of the Resistance, whereas in the past Resistance organizations studies. instead of functioning separately. did it on an individual basis. By taking this The mobilization also served to expose The general mobilization must be decision the PLO has provided the basic the Arab regimes, most of whom took an extended to include all Palestinians. This framework for furthering the preparation of ambivalent stand to the PLO decision. The requires that the PLO assert its indepen· the Palestinian people to wage a protracted reactionary regimes worked to sabotage the dence on the Arab level and organize the people's war. This decision facilitates mobilization. The Iraqi regime, for example, Palestinians in defiance of Arab reaction's broader sectors of the Palestinian people denied the Palestinians in Iraq the right to restrictions. assuming their role in the Revolution in a participate, and instead drafted them into The participation of an increasing number united fashion, as well as structurally provi­ the Iraqi military to fight against Iran. The of Palestinians in the revolution through ding the basis for a genuine popular libera­ alternative was prison. Jordan is following a the mobilization has increased the morale of tion army. similar policy. The response of these regimes the masses and fighters confronting the The positive popular response to the is not unexpected due to their strong ties enemy, especially in South Lebanon. This is mobilization has proven in practice that the with imperialism. It is clearly not in their an immediate effect; the long term effects of Palestinians will not allow their revolution to interest to support the strengthening of the continuing the mobilization should be be crushed. The mobilization is a militant Palestinian Revolution, since a strong resis­ increased Palestinian national unity and the reply to such statements as Begin's: "We tance movement would pose a threat to their escalation of our popular liberation war. shall not wait for the terrorists to come to power, which is ultimately based on imperia­ our houses ... We shall stun them until we list domination in the area. INTERVIEWS have exterminated them ... " Large numbers In accordance with the PFLP's struggle of Palestinians are confronting the escalating to implement Palestinian national unity on The following are excerpts of interviews Zionist aggression by exercising their right to all levels, it has given top priority to made with students who are participating in fight to regain their homeland. implementing general mobilization. PFLP the general mobilization. The general mobilization has streng­ members and supporters abroad also worked Abu Baker - The decision by the PLO thened the Revolution by providing a actively in the organization and implemen­ for general mobilization is very important. common basis for training all those Pales­ tation of the decision. The Front is provi­ At this time all efforts are being made by tinians who want to participate in the Resis­ ding training facilities in accordance with its Zionism, imperialism and Arab reaetion to tance movement. This is a positive step in capabilities. In a recent Zionist attack, a eliminate the Revolution. In the past the consolidating Palestinian national unity at comrade from the PFLP who was among the goal of Arab reaction was to weaken the the base level. The active participation of first student participants from abroad in the Revolution; now this is even more important more of our people enriches the Revolution mobilization, was martyred along with to them because of the Camp David peace practically, politically and theoretically. The comrades from al Fatah, one of whom was moves. The decision for mobilization should participation of Palestinians living outside also a student from abroad. have come before the Revolution was facing has brought new input to internal discus­ The mobilization has played a construc­ this dangerous situation. Now that the sions, while giving them a better under­ tive role in highlighting areas in which the decision has been taken, it must be enlarged standing of the reality of the Revolution. Revolution needs to improve its practice and to include all the Palestinians, not only the The mobilization testifies to the PLO's structure. For example, the Palestine Libera­ students and the Palestinians here in ability to gather its forces through its mass tion Army (PLA), the military wing of the Lebanon ... organizations. This is exemplified by the PLO, is structured along the lines of a For the future courses of the mobili­ active role of the Palestinian unions. The regular army. Thus it was unable to absorb zation, an evaluation of the present course General Union of Palestinian Students the large number of Palestinians willing to must be made. The positive points must be (GUPS), for example, took responsibility for fight for their homeland. In this situation, expanded and the negative points should be organizing and implementing the decision on the Resistance organizations supplemented corrected. This will increase the potential of

14 the Revolution and will also allow for more people to participate ... Guevara - The mobilization is a very good decision. The revolution at this time is in a critical situation. The Zionists are trying to completely destroy the Revolution here in Lebanon. The attacks come every day from the Israelis and Saad Haddad's forces in order to destroy the will of the people and the fighters. All the Palestinians must be mobilized to confront the enemy and move the Revolution forward. With the mobilization the Resistance organizations must also be united. This is the importance of Palestinian national unity; here in the training we are united, all the organizations are working together. .. Maher - The US is building up its forces to strike the Palestinian revolution and all the progressive forces in the area. Arab reaction is also working for the same goal.. . The decision for general mobilization has in­ creased the ability of the Revolution to fight against these forces. The mobilization also shows the people in the South that they are not fighting alone ... By participating in the mobilization I am .::loser to the Revolution and I think this is the same for the other students who came from abroad. For many of us it is the first time we have held a gun in our hand. By eing trained we have something to give to the Revolution. We can finish the training nd return to the university; when we are needed we can return prepared to confront the enemy ... The mobilization is not only for men; omen and girls are also participating. The omen are trained alone, but this is because must respect the traditions of the Comrade George Habash meeting wiTh Comrade Bilak, SecreTary of The Central Commirree of The Communist ·ety. As the Revolution progresses, this Party of Czechoslovakia, in early February. Comrade Habash is now visiting some of the patriotic Arab dl hange... • countries.

s highlighted when the Phalange began with the imperialist-Zionist-reactionary open drive to expand and consolidate LEBANON enemy. - i t hegemony in Lebanon last summer, The perspective and conditions for increa­ patriotic forces have been facing a COUNTERING THE sing patriotic coordination were outlined by nous challenge. Although the Lebanese ENEMY OFFENSIVE Mohsen Ibrahim, speaking in his capacity as Patnotic Movement represents the majority Executive Secretary of the Central Political the masses, it has been in danger of being Council of the LPM at a public meeting in on the defensive by the Phalange mili­ dination among the patriotic forces in order Beirut in early February. advance, and the Lebanese regime's t<'l more effectively confront the fascist and The nature of this issue makes it a pero­ liance in the new territorial and social Zionist challenge. If correctly implemented, gative of the Lebanese Patriotic Movement, tie imposed by the fascists. The such coordination could lead to the as it is they who are responsible for leading ~ ed fascist offensive aggravates the formation of a broad patriotic front which the struggle of the Lebanese masses, in terms t posed by continuously escalating could turn the tide of the present situation of determining the political line and in mst-fascist aggression against the South, in Lebanon. Such a development would have practice. We will therefore express our the Israeli-sponsored consolidation of extremely positive implications for the Pales­ support to their efforts by reflecting the Haddad's enclave. tinian Resistance in view of the patriotic positions presented by Comrade Ibrahim. (In The LP. 1 recently put forward a political Lebanese-Palestinian struggle alliance, and its the following, a synoposis of the ideas he ttatl\e for broader and firmer coor- position on the front lines of confrontation presented appears in italics.) ....

15 It is not by coincidence that the concept the Arab liberation movement was in crisis conditions. In particular, areas adjacent to of broader patriotic cooperation was pub­ on the regional/eve/. Saad Haddad must be consolidated to stop licly introduced by Comrade Ibrahim, who is Today the LPM does not appear to have a his expansion. The LPM must be clear in its also General Secretary of the Communist cause; the masses are disillusioned, while on dealings with the state; at the same time, it Action Organization. It is the communist the other hand, the fascist goals are clear. must call on the patriotic presence within forces that bear responsibility for indicating This is not because the stands of the LPM governmental bodies to act in accordance the correct strategy and tactics that can are wrong; rather it is due to the position the with the interests of the masses concerning unite all the progressive and patriotic forces movement was pushed into. The LPM's such issues as army deployment. to further the struggle. There are historical cause in 1975-76 is equally correct and In order to achieve these aims, the LPM precedents for this: In the struggle against relevant today: building a united democratic must develop its organizational framework fascism in Europe, it was often the com­ Arab Lebanon that takes a position along­ in such a way as to promote collective munist forces that took the lead in resisting side the Arab masses in the struggle against leadership, decision-making and implemen­ Nazi occupation, prodding anti-fascist Zionism Obviously, this cause conflicts with tation. There must be one center for poli­ bourgeois forces to wage the battle with the fascist call for a confessional federation tical decision and not 15. We must end the them. In terms of national liberation strug­ in Lebanon, isolated from the Arab libera­ political and organizational fragmentation gles, the Vietnamese have provided the tion movement. among the patriotic forces and establish new clearest proof that the communist forces are In the period between 1976 and today, forms of coordination between the LPM mid those most capable of leading a broad united there are certain political tendencies that other patriotic trends and individuals. The front that mobilizes the potentials of all have circulated in Lebanon. The following degree and form of cooperation with these patriotic forces. Such a strategy promotes ideas have been put to the test and proven forces should be in accordance with the maximum isolation of the enemy and erroneous: degree of patriotism that they demonstrate. neutralizes those forces that remain on the Some have thought that it was possible to However, the LPM must maintain the fence. solve the Lebanese crisis in isolation from minimum demand that those forces who It is of particular importance that the the overall conflict in the area. .. oppose the fascists, yet did not fight in the LPM take the initiative in creating broader Some have imagined that the fascists only civil war, stop priding themselves on their patriotic cooperation in light of other moves wanted a mini-state in part of Lebanon, but lack of im·olvement. This was not a dirty in the Lebanese political arena. Certain the actions of the fascists have clearly war as some have said, but an unavoidable traditional bourgeois politicians are also proven that they want to control the entire patriotic struggle. Moreover, the war we have talking of building a broad front. These country ... seen as of now is only the prelude... The forces are in fact opposed to fascist Some believed in the idea of reconci­ final battle is yet to come. hegemony as this has negative repercussions liation with the fascists, but they have been Concerning our relations with the Pales­ on their interests, yet they have never serio­ forced to see that this is impossible... tinian Resistance, there must be a clear usly fought the fascists. Nor is the goal or Some have banked on the notion that distinction between its legitimate national means of their opposition rooted in the President Sarkis had his own program for interests and those illegitimate violations interests of the masses. In line with their Lebanon, but in fact, the fascist program is that occur. It must be clear that the LPM is class nature, these forces are not truly Sarkis' program; this was clear in his speech fighting alongside the Resistance as part of opposed to imperialism, and thus their in Taef, where he blamed all the problems in its duty to defend Lebanon. Our coopera­ struggle against its manifestations - fascism Lebanon on the Palestinian presence. We are tion must be organized in a way that keeps and Zionism - will never be waged to the expecting Sarkis to propose a new security the role of each distinct, despite the over­ very end. There can be a place for such plan with the army playing a more pro­ lapping of our goals. Moreover, all forces forces in a broad anti-fascist front. Yet if minent role. We reject this in advance as the within the Palestinian Resistance must also such a front is to strengthen the struggle, its state and the army only serve the fascists' realize that there is no future in a dialogue nucleus must be the revolutionary forces interests. with the fascists. Nor is there any benefit in that consistently oppose imperialism, In order to confront the fascists, the LPM the creation of more fragmentation within Zionism and reaction. These are the forces must renew its commitment to the interim the patriotic movement. We are not com­ that have fought the Phalange in the perspec­ reform program it adopted during the civil plaining about the infringements of the tive of a national democratic revolution in war for a united democratic secular Resistance, but we are concerned that there Lebanon. Lebanon. It must commit itself to stronger are some elements within the Resistance Comrade Ibrahim began his presentation relations with the Palestinian Resistance and who do not seem to realize that the strength by tracing the situation of the LPM. In this the Syrian regime. It must raise the slogan of of the LPM is also the strength of the he was forthright and critical, which is neces­ liberating the border strip and all areas under Resistance. sary if one is to correctly chart the course fascist control. While the LPM supports Syrian presence for the future. The LPM's political line and practice in Lebanon as this contributes to its security must constantly function to clarify the true against the fascists and Zionists, we must In the initial phases of the civil war nature of the conflict, which is Lebanese, relate to Syria in a new way. The LPM must (1975-76}, the Lebanese Patriotic Movement and not between the Palestinians and the ask for Syrian support on the basis of first had a cause; it was fighting for something­ Lebanese or between Syria and Lebanon. making its own independent decisions. the establishment of a democratic secular The areas under the LPM's control must be In general, we call on all patriotic forces Lebanon. After 1976, the LPM was pushed strengthened against all political or military to enter into a discussion of how to confront into a position of opposition, where it attempts at fascist infiltration. The LPM the fascist and Zionist danger. The only suffered from several factors. Chief among must assume greater responsibility for these criterion for being eligible to parricipate in these was the overall Arab situation, where areas, ensuring the social and security this discussion, and to make constructive

16 criticism, is active participation in the the fascist offensive against the Palestinians Palestinian Resistance, but it also makes struggle. in isolation from the realities of the certain demands on us. Palestinian national The PFLP deeply appreciates these Lebanese class struggle. The revolutionary unity must be implemented as a prerequisite points. In particular, we welcome the open forces within the Resistance oppose these for correcting all political and practical criticism of the Resistance's infringements. practices, and we consider comradely violations that adversely affect the LPM. Our Certain Palestinian factions have sought to criticism from Lebanese revolutionaries as a political unity is also a prerequisite for strengthen themselves, rather than the support in the effort to correct them. respecting the unity of the LPM and its overall struggle, by creating a Lebanese A more united opposition to the fascists rightful leadership role in the Lebanese counterpart. Some have hoped to neutralize in Lebanon would be a great support to the arena. • WHO'S WHO IN LEBANON This is the first part of a 'briefing' on the the peasantry in Mount Lebanon to a mer­ but as a grouping of different religious political forces in Lebanon, which is chant strata, dependent on the colonial communities. Thus, confessionalism consti­ intended to provide our readers with infor­ powers' trade. This was one factor in the tutes the very foundation of the Lebanese mation pertaining to the history, aims and abortion of the peasant movement in north­ state as it has come to exist, and not simply structure of the parties to the Lebanese ern Lebanon, which reached its peak in the a particular system enacted within a general conflict. To give a background for how these 1858-60 revolt; compared to the situation of national framework. forces act and interact, we will begin by the peasantry of South Lebanon, a portion Ordinance No. 60/LR, issued by the sketching the political and economic system of the population of the northern mountain French governor of Lebanon in 1936, of the country. It is to be borne in mind that area acquired a privileged status. Some enumerated the recognized sects. Article 5 developments in Lebanon can only be fully moved to the cities, evolving into a compra­ of this ordinance reads: "Lebanese citizens analyzed on the backdrop of the ongoing dor bourgeoisie. who do not belong to any of the recognized conflict between imperialism and the Arab Developments at the end of the first sects or those who do not belong to any sect national movement in the area as a whole. world war illustrated clearly how France and will be subject to civil law." In practice, a However, as stated, our purpose here is the Maronite comprador derived mutual civil law code has never even been discussed primarily informative, and we will focus on benefits from cultivating a form of 'Christian by the Lebanese authorities, nor has the the internal Lebanese scene. nationalism' in Lebanon. For both, this Parliament ever passed any law inconsistent served as a counterweight to the Arab with the confessional basis laid down in the The political system: confessionalism national movement's demand for indepen­ constitution. Obviously, this has limited the The Lebanese state is organized along dence, which was championed by broad channels accessible to those people who are confessional lines, whereby political posts sectors of the Lebanese people, Moslems and not religious, or who desire the organization are divided among the religious sects present Christians, especially in the coastal cities, the of the political, social and economic life of in the country, glVlng the Maronite South and the Bekaa valley. the country outside the bounds of religion. Christians the decisive power. The principles France's interest in drawing Lebanon into The provisions of the constitution speci­ of confessionalism were laid down in the a relation of dependency on imperialism fically encourage the autonomy of the reli­ 1925 constitution, written while Lebanon coincided with the Maronite comprador's gious communities in their internal and was under French Mandate. It was the desire to enjoy a privileged political and external affairs, and that they should build colonial power that set the guidelines for economic status by isolating themselves (and up their own structure and institutions, this document, which has not been substan­ Lebanon with them) from the Arab world, educational and otherwise, rather than tially revised since. and instead consolidating ties with the West. promoting an integrated society. French colonial policy is largely respon­ Thus, the French occupation of Lebanon in The purpose of the confessional system sible not only for the clauses of the consti­ 1918 was welcomed by France's allies was to ensure the dominance of the tution, but also for the development of the among the Christians, and France utilized emerging comprador class, linked to the material and social basis for confessionalism Lebanon as a buffer against the strength of imperialist market. The strength of confes­ as a political system. In the 19th century, the Arab national movement, especially in sionalism in Lebanon lies in the fact that it is France, along with other colonial powers, neighboring Syria. not limited to the political authority, but was fishing in the troubled waters of the France also used its mandate to develop a pervades the society on all levels. This has Ottoman Empire. With its collapse in view, Lebanese administration which would played a major role in obscuring, and some­ the colonialists were busy cultivating local collaborate in institutionalizing colonial times actually retarding, the development of allies in order to establish their own spheres influence within the structures of an inde­ a clearly defined class struggle in the of influence. The French found their part­ pendent Lebanon in the future; candidates country. The structure of the state forces ners among the Christian population, and were chosen from French and Roman the society to act in a confessional manner specifically through alliance with the Maro­ Catholic missionary schools. In 1926, the whenever it has to do with the government. nite Church. As the Church exercised exten­ Lebanese Republic began to function within This has also affected the struggle of the sive influence among the peasantry, this the confines of the French Mandate on the patriotic and progressive forces that aspire to provided an inroad for expanding the social basis of the aforementioned constitution. a democratic secular Lebanon, but are often basis of this alliance beyond cooperation According to this document, the national put in a situation where their demands are with traditional feudal leaders. French poli­ formation was not seen as the sum of the limited to reforms within the existing ...._ cy was instrumental in converting a part of individual citizens tied to their homeland, system. ,....

17 The major amendments to the consti­ under the French Mandate. It was agreed 11 Greek Orthodox (Christians) tution were made in 1943, when Lebanon that the Lebanese state would position itself 6 Druze (Moslems) received formal independence. These con­ within the Arab world, which it did nomi­ 6 Roman Catholics (Christians) sisted in the omission of all articles deter­ nally by joining the Arab League, etc. The 4 Armenian Orthodox (Christians) mining relations with the French authorities. Maronite leaders had their own reasons for 1 Armenian Catholic (Christian) By this time, Lebanon's neo-colonial status these concessions: they needed the coastal 1 other Christian was secured by the confessional system and cities to realize their economic ambitions; in 1 Protestant (Christian) the economic relations that had been estab­ addition, the implicit cooperation of the The President is elected by a simple lished. In 1943, an internal working formula Moslem bourgeoisie was seen as important in majority of the Parliament. The Prime Mini­ was arrived at through an unwritten agree­ ensuring political stability and economic ster is nominated by the President, who ment, which is termed the National Pact. connections with the Arab world. should seek his assistance in selecting the This pact was primarily the result of a The 1926 constitution stated that the cabinet. The 6 to 5 ratio also prevails in the compromise reached between bourgeois Parliament's members would be elected on cabinet and all public sectors, including the leaders of the two most powerful sects - the the basis of the sects' representation. In army. Maronite Christians and the Sunni Moslems. 194 7, this was amended to read that the The present electoral law further divides It established the ratio for the allotment of Parliament would be constituted from the will of the Lebanese people. The country political posts as 6 to 5 in favor of the members belonging to the recognized sects. is divided into small voting districts, where a Christians. The presidency was reserved for The sects recognized and their position in relative majority gives the winner all the the Maronites and it has become customary the hierarchy of distribution have remained seats. The slate of candidates is compiled in for the prime minister to be a Sunni Moslem. constant, based on a census taken at the accordance with the ratio among the sects Although traditional Moslem leaders iden­ time of the National Pact. No new official that has been fixed for the district in ques­ tified with the goals of the pan-Arab move­ census has been taken. The number of tion, but does not necessarily reflect the ment, at this time they accepted the status members in the Parliament and the way in present population living there. As a result quo of a separate Lebanon which had been which they are elected is determined by of the combination of these two factors, the imposed by the Maronite-French alliance. by-laws adopted in the Parliament. The parliamentary representation gained by a Representing an emerging bourgeoisie, they Parliament as it is today is a result of the party seldom reflects the actual support it hoped that independent Lebanon would by-laws adopted in 1960, which determined enjoys on a country-wide basis. open economic opportunities for them. that there are 99 members distributed as Moreover, the Maronite bourgeoisie made follows: The Lebanese economy some minor concessions: The 6 to 5 ratio 30 Maronites (Christians) In many respects the economic structure was slightly better for the Moslems than the 20 Sunnis (Moslems) of Lebanon docs not differ much from that distribution of posts that had been practiced 19 Shiites (Moslems) of other 'third world' countries: industrial The prasant of South l.cbanon ekes out a livinf( ... • I

18 development is limited; the service sector especially with respect to finance. Bank ments in Lebanon. In terms of rebuilding, outweighs the productive sector both in deposits totalled 25 billion pounds (3 only the army has received serious attention terms of providing employment and accumu­ Lebanese pounds equal $1 US) by the end of from the state. This is also reflected in the lating wealth; agriculture is the source of 1980. Six banks have recently been granted flow of US aid to Lebanon. US economic livelihood for many, yet it remains back­ licenses to begin operations in Lebanon assistance to Lebanon totalled $32.9 million ward, especially in the South. including American Express International in 1978, but by 1980 it amounted to only What does distinguish Lebanon from Banking Corporation. At present, of the 86 $.5 million. US military assistance, on the many other countries that are dependent on banks functioning, less than half are totally other hand, rose from $.6 million in 1978 to imperialism is its highly developed banking Lebanese owned. The fact that Lebanon has $22 million in 1980 (as registered in the and commercial sector. Like the confessional a balance of payments surplus can be attri­ same report). system, this can be largely traced to the buted to the cash inflow to banks. The underdevelopment of the productive Maronite-French alliance, which resulted in The state's laissez-faire policy has been sector, today coupled with the intensive the development of a substantial comprador instrumental in developing the economy in build-up in the state's repressive apparatus, is class at an earlier stage than has been the this direction. Almost no restrictions are the material manifestation of the com­ case in many other countries. imposed on the transfer of capital or goods. prador's dominant position within the Objective factors have also played a role, State initiatives to develop industry and Lebanese bourgeoisie. Government statistics and the comprador is by no means limited to agriculture have been minimal. In line with from 1962 reveal the effects of the prevai­ the Maronite sect. Lebanon's location on the its class character, the state merely provides ling system in terms of the distribution of Mediterranean has provided the geographic a conducive framework for private enter­ wealth: 4% of the population received 1/3 of setting for its position as a banking and trade prise. In the words of a report compiled by the national income; 14% received the center linking East and West. The oil the US State Department and released in second 1/3; i.e. 18% received 2/3 while the resources of the Middle East gave a boost to February, "The Lebanese traditionally have remainder of the population must live on the this development. The policy of many operated one of the freest economies in the last 1/3. Unfortunately, more recent statis­ regimes to rec)(cle their oil revenues in the world, even relying on the private sector to tics that are reliable are not accessible; how­ imperialist countries added to the funds provide many of the social services which ever, it is clear even to a casual observer in handled by Lebanese banks. For the imperia­ most governments ordinarily supply." As if Lebanon that this distribution has not lists, Lebanon provides a half-way station for to exemplify this, the Reconstruction and changed for the better as of today. their transactions when investing in the Development Council, set up by the govern­ Middle East, as well as harbors for their ment after the war , has to date finished one In the next issue of the Bulletin, we will exports. The shift away from Lebanon as a project (a bridge), while private construction begin dealing specifically with the political banking and trade center during the 197 5-76 is booming. Recently, this council signed an forces, starting with the fascist forces organi­ civil war has proven to be a temporary one, agreement guaranteeing American invest- zed in the Lebanese Front. • whi/1! funds accumulate in the banks of Beirut

. i I' ' -

19 TAEF CONFERENCE

Reactionary moves signal new attacks in Lebanon

The 3rd Islamic Conference recently held guaranteeing the sovereignty and neutrality in the south. As an assertion of its military in Taef, Saudi Arabia, brought few surprises of the Gulf. The reactionary rulers want it to dominance, 'Israel' has traditionally laun­ for observers of Arab reaction. Behind the look as though they don't need any foreign ched attacks following Arab proclamations facade of religion, reactionary forces worked assistance; ostensibly they formed the and meetings. However, in this instance the to reinstate the 'official' Arab solidarity. The council to "defend the resources and safe­ Zionist aggression not only exposes the vague wording of the final resolutions attests guard the stability of the region." However, ineffectiveness of the jihad, but tacitly to the fact that reaction does not find it the reality is that with Iraq and Iran diverted supports the assertion of Sarkis and the politically feasible or opportune to openly in the Gulf war, Saudi Arabia has been able fascists that the Palestinian presence is res­ broadcast its program of collaboration with to impose its security pact, which means ponsible for the Israeli attacks. imperialism. In such conferences, it is reliance on US imperialism to maintain Thus, in the days following the confe­ deemed wiser to preserve a semblance of reactionary stability in the area. rence, there was an upsurge in aggression~ unity in order to present a united 'Islamic' Whereas the final resolutions of the against the Joint Forces and the Lebanese stand to the world. conference had minimum impact on the and Palestinian masses in several towns and Overall, the conference can be charac­ overall Arab situation, the speech made by cities throughout the region. During the last terized by the reactionary forces' moves to Lebanese President Elias Sarkis indicated the four days in January, heavy artillery attacks change the meaning of jihad (holy war) escalation of the attack against the Pales­ and a major air strike killed at least 15 against 'Israel' to spiritual struggle with tinian Resistance in Lebanon. Sounding civilians and wounded 40. About 60 houses possible diplomatic and/or economic reinfor­ suspiciously similar to the propaganda of the were demolished or damaged by the air cements. By pushing this position, Arab fascist Lebanese Front, Sarkis spoke boldly raids. The strikes ranged over Lebanon from reaction reassures US imperialism that the about the "danger" of the Palestinian Sour to Nabatiyeh, including Bourj al militant slogans it has raised against 'Israel' presence in Lebanon. Sarkis's posture in Shemali camp and the road south of Saida. are meaningless. At the same time, the speaking so openly must be seen in the light Israeli jets also attacked Saida, Sour and Islamic countries are presented as having a of the Phalange offensive in Lebanon; this Ain al Hilweh camp. One Israeli jet was united, albeit ineffective, stand against the paves the way for the Lebanese authorities downed by Palestinian fighters and another Zionist enemy. to openly join Arab reaction's assault on the was reportedly hit, but headed back towards Saudi Arabia's influence within the reac­ Palestinian Resistance. In presenting the 'Israel'. Syrian MIGs clashed with Israeli jets tionary axis was evident throughout the Lebanese case, Sarkis ignored the role of the over the Bekaa in eastern Lebanon. The conference, especially in the offers of oil fascist-isolationist Saad Haddad in colla­ Syrians lost one plane during the fight. This money to be used in development projects, boration with 'Israel', in the border strip. He participation of the Syrian forces signifies which they dangled in front of the noses of did not even mention the true enemy, Syria's continued patriotic role in supporting the financially weak countries. Keeping in 'Israel', which is the real threat to Lebanese the Palestinian Revolution and the Lebanese mind the $2.5 billion development fund set sovereignty due to its aims to annex more Patriotic Movement in a period of heigh­ up by the wealthier countries, most parti­ Lebanese territory. Obviously, Sarkis also tened confrontation with the enemy. cipants paid lip-service to the reactionary failed to mention that it is the Palestinian The Joint Forces in the South responded maneuvers. However, despite their attempts Resistance and the patriotic Lebanese to the enemy provocations by shelling Israeli to roundly condemn the Soviet Union and fighters who are daily confronting the positions in Northern Galilee, including intensify anti-communist rhetoric, all the enemy aggression and the traitor Haddad. Metulla, and Kiryat Shmona, and several reactionaries achieved was the passing of a Shortly after the Taef conference was positions inside the border strip. Although Saudi-backed resolution calling for the with­ over, the fascist Lebanese Front announced Israeli aggression was escalated by air, sea drawal of all foreign troops from Afghani­ a compulsory draft of men aged 14-45, and and land attacks, the Joint Forces responded stan, with Syria, Democratic Yemen and the the regime took more action to consolidate to keep the aggression in check. PLO dissenting. the Lebanese army which clearly represents The growing consolidation of the Israeli­ One outcome of the unofficial mini­ the fascists' formula. Prime Minister Wazzan fascist program must be met with the summits held in Taef became apparent and his cabinet approved the promotion of a increased cooperation and efficiency of the shortly afterwards when Saudi Arabia, group of 120 officers, among them soldiers patriotic and progressive forces in Lebanon. Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, that fought with the fascist Lebanese Front The Taef conference can only be dealt with Oman and Bahrain announced a joint poli­ during the civil war (1975-76). by a firm program on the part of the LPM tical, economic and military council. This and the Resistance alongside the Arab council is merely a formalization and merger Zionist-fascist aggression masses, concentrating all progressive and of the bilateral treaties already concluded The Lebanese regime's more open attack patriotic forces against the true enemies of between Saudi Arabia and the other coun­ on the Palestinian Resistance and Arab the people: Zionism, i..ffiperialism and Arab tries. The announcement of the council is an reaction's modification of jihad gave the reaction. indirect answer to the Soviet proposal for green light for new Israeli-fascist aggression • 20 JORDAN WOMEN IN THE LABOR FORCE

In the last Bulletin we dealt with the viewed as a source of cheap labor to replace Jordanian labor market, especially the emigrating male workers. Moreover infla­ increase in imported labor and the corres­ tion and the rising cost of living have pushed ponding emigration of Jordanian workers. more women to seek jobs ouside the home. Most of those Jordanians who seek employ­ While education and health are still the ment outside the country are males. If we sectors that absorb most of the female turn to women workers in Jordan, we find workers, the bulk of working women that their situation is largely determined by (approximately 40%) in urban areas now the same factors that make for the policy of occupy clerical positions in the finance, labor exchange. The position of women in transportation and commerce sectors. In the Jordanian labor force today is also a industry, women are concentrated in light result of the desire shared by the regime and industry, producing such items as cigarettes ruling class for a work force that is highly and facial tissues. In cigarette factories exploitable and easy to control politically. alone, women constitute 50% of the work According to Jordanian law, there should force. be employment opportunities for all Statistics compiled in Amman in 1978, citizens. In reality, the regime has put little show that more than 85% of w~men effort in this direction. Women in particular working in industry receive wages of 50 have played a marginal role in the labor Jordanian dinars or less a month (1 JD = market. In 1975, only 3.8% of Jordanian $3.3 US). Women face wage discrimination women were registered as workers. While even when they hold the same jobs as men, women account for roughly half the popula­ Unpaid agricultural labor the only exception being in the teaching tion, they constituted only I 0% of the labor field, where men and women receive equal force. as nursing and teaching. By 1977, the pay for equal work. By 1980, 10% of Jordanian women had distribution of the female work force was as While Jordanian males are suffering from joined the labor force. This increase reflects follows: the regime's policy of economically enforced the regime's attempts at 'modernization', emigration, women workers suffer from the which in a dependent country means a Economic Sector retention of out-dated social traditions halting and distorted process of capita­ concerning the role of women in the society. lization. A contributing factor in this period Education/health services 26 This is a consequence of the transitional was the effects of the civil war in Lebanon. Industry 10 nature of the economy. In the regime's Some of Beirut's functions as a commercial Electricity /water services attempt at 'modernization', development is and banking center shifted to Amman, Construction/mining 2 not primarily based on an evolution of the boosting the Jordanian service and finance Commerce 6 existing economic structure and relations. sectors. Transportation 13 Rather it is implanted through projects The increased percentage of working Finance 21 financed by imperialist monopolies and Arab women in the seventies was accompanied by petro-dollars. The attempts to develop the diversification in their occupations. In the The increase and diversification of Jordanian economy parallel (at a slower early sixties, the few with employment women's employment is mainly due to the pace) the regime's transformation from a outside the home and family were concen­ regime's direct or indirect encouragement, ruling tribe - the Hashemites who were trated in fields traditional for women, such because women, like foreign workers, are installed by British colonialism - to a client .... LABOR FORCE November, 1980, was 6152. The permits permit, because they are not classified as were distributed as follows: workers under Jordanian labor laws. The Ministry of Labor in Jordan has CITY NO. OF PER.t\iiTS In the private sector, several companies issued a new decree aimed at encouraging Amman 4448 are trying to increase their profits at the the importation of foreign labor. Under the Zarqa 322 expense of the working class by replacing new· decree, employers are only required to Irbid 219 the Jordanian workers with non-J ordanians, sign a personal guarantee in order to obtain Karak 213 who receive lower wages. In some places permission to hire foreign workers. In the Aqaba 777 such as the Sheraton, Holiday Inn and past, they were required to present a credit Deir Alia 173 Amman International hotels, foreign reference from a bank. TOTAL 6152 workers compose about 90% of the According to statistics recently released The statistics above do not include employees. The lay-off of Jordanian workers in Jordan, the number of foreign workers foreign farm workers or domestic servants. creates favorable conditions for increasing who were granted work permits in They are not required to obtain a work the rate of the immigrant labor force.

21 regime for modern imperialism, headed by CAIRO the USA. _,_.. L<...... J t,. :a.~_,..... li I :4-.:..--

22 2ND ARAB PEOPLES CONFERENCE In December 1977, the Arab Peoples The Conference also passed several resolu­ Muammar Qaddafi, leader of the Socialist Conference (APC) was formed in opposition tions concerning the means for achieving the Peoples Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, when he to Sadat's capitulation to irhperialism and aims of the Arab people: called upon these forces to fight under the Zionism. The APC was created as a forum Adopting the peoples war as the most red banner, and not the white, in any future for projecting the will of the Arab masses by efficient means of liberating the Arab Nation confrontation. joining the efforts of their national, pro­ from imperialist, Zionist, reactionary We highly evaluate the positive step taken gressive and patriotic organizations. domination by the APC by establishing a basis for This year on Jan. 15th-19th in Tripoli, - Providing support to all activities creating the united national front. National Libya, the APC met for the second time. It which lead to progressive unity in the Arab and democratic fronts must be established was attended by representatives of 92 poli­ Nation in each Arab country to provide a firm basis tical parties and organizations, 76 syndi­ - Support for all activities aimed at for a popular front on the Arab level. The cates, unions and mass organizations and 20 confronting imperialism formation of such a front would advance the respected individuals, in addition to a large - Forming the Arab peoples national Arab revolution. It must be independent of number of guest delegations from Africa and patriotic progressive front, thereby the influence of the regimes, as its role is to Latin America. enhancing unity, interaction and democratic represent the interests of the masses and What distinguishes the second APC is that discussions between all the parties, organi­ pave the way for revolution in the Arab it established a framework for forming an zations, unions, etc. world with the ultimate aim of creating a Arab peoples progressive national front. The - Mobilizing the masses for the goals of unified socialist Arab Nation. It is the duty PFLP evaluates this as a positive step for­ liberation, national unity, democracy and of the anti:imperialist forces to make this ward for confronting imperialist, Zionist, socialism front a reality. reactionary dominance in our area. The APC - Strengthening the strategic alliance We consider that the resolutions taken by adopted a charter to serve as the political between the Arab revolutionary forces and the Conference are positive reflections of the platform for forming the proposed front. It the international revolutionary forces, will of the masses, and are a means for emphasized the necessity of achieving unity mainly the socialist community, headed by strengthening the confrontation against the on a national, democratic, and progressive the Soviet Union, as well as the national enemy. The resolutions which emphasize the basis in order to fulfill the aims of the Arab liberation movements in Asia, Africa, Latin necessity of supporting the Arab liberation people: achieving revolution in the Arab America, and the democratic forces and forces, i.e. the LPM, the PLO, the Patriotic world, completing national liberation and parties in the capitalist countries. National Iraqi Front, the Egyptian National establishing the total unity of the Arab All the resolutions were unanimously Front, the National Democratic Front in ~ation. To insure that this front becomes a agreed upon by the members of the APC. North Yemen, etc. are a cornerstone for reality the APC adopted an organizational Thus the Conference demonstrates that the mobilizing the masses for the popular war. structure and internal regulations. According minimum program for uniting these forces is Supporting and strengthening these forces is to these, the general assembly shall consist actually functioning. At the conclusion of a prerequisite for achieving the united of all the political parties, organizations and the session a political communique was national front. liberation movements as well as all the mass issued. The Conference declared the 1980s We call upon the progressive forces to organizations, unions and respected indivi­ as the decade for increasing the struggle for support the decisions taken by the APC; this duals that accept and abide by the charter. liberation and the realization of unity in support must not be verbal alone, but must The structure of the APC shall consist of order to achieve progress. be expressed through united action. The the general assembly, the coordination The convening of the APC at this parti­ PFLP will continue to work actively on the council and the permanent secretariat. Their cular time indicates the polarization taking Arab and international level as we did in this tasks were defined in the internal regula­ place between the progressive and conference in order to defeat Zionism, tions. The Arab Peoples Conference will reactionary forces in the Arab world. The imperialism and reaction. convene every three years. The Permanent Conference assumed its responsibility for Secretariat will convene between each furthering this polarization by its decision to PFLP ADDRESS Conference and it will be responsible for expel the Iraqi Ba'ath Party from the APC Abu Ali Mustafa, Vice-General Secretary accepting new members and implementing because of the role it is playing to sabotage of the PFLP, headed the PFLP delegation at the decisions of the APC. the anti-imperialist struggle. The APC called the Conference. The following is a summary The Conference also elected a new Perma­ on the Iraqi masses to designate their true of the message he presented to the APC. nent Secretariat composed of representatives representative to the Conference. Abu Ali commended the Libyan masses from the General Peoples Congress-Libya, By bringing together all the progressive and their leader for their support and soli­ the National Liberation Front - Algeria, the and patriotic forces in the area regardless of darity with the Palestinian Revolution and Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party-Syria, the United whether they define themselves as nationa­ the Lebanese Patriotic Movement: "This Socialist Party - PDR Yemen, the Arab list, religious or communist, the Conference support comes from the Libyan people who Workers Union, the Arab Farmers Union, attests to the common will to confront are confronting Sadat and his allies and the PLO, the Lebanese Patriotic Movement, imperialism, Zionism and reaction. All these deterring Sadat's efforts to exparrl his the Egyptian National Movement, the forces are threatened by the increasing policies into neighboring countries ... " national movement in the Arabian Peninsula, aggressiveness of US imperialism in parti­ Abu Ali also saluted our Arab masses in and POLISARIO. They also re-elected Omar cular, and all have responded to the chal­ the occupied land who are daily confronting al Hamedi as General Secretary. lenge. This was seen in the statement of the Zionist occupation: "The enemy's fascist ..

23 measures against our people ... have been to only lead imperialism to more defeats. We all the patriotic forces no avail. This has led the enemy to go to the must take the following steps to defeat 2. cutting relations with the Jordanian extreme of declaring it a crime even to use imperialism: regime and exposing its policies as well as the name of the PLO or raise the Palestinian 1. Define a clear political program confronting its threats in order to unify our flag. This indicates the degree of the enemy's 2. Form a unified Arab national front masses. We must also call for the establi­ failure and the strength of our masses and 3. Promote a sincere alliance with the shment of a united patriotic front in their support to the Revolution... The socialist community headed by the Soviet Jordan ... struggle of our masses reaffirms the Arab Union" 3. blocking any suspicious moves from identity of Palestine, and the struggle for a Abu Ali also emphasized the necessity of Europe or elsewhere as well as exposing their democratic socialist Palestine as a part of the creating national democratic fronts in every aims and maneuvers and ending hypothetical unified Arab society." Arab country as an essential requirement for talk about their neutrality Abu Ali went on to discuss the current establishing the united national front in the 4. supporting the Iranian people and political developments on the Arab and Arab Nation, in addition to supporting the their revolution in the confrontation of international levels, pointing to the victories existing progressive forces in Lebanon, Iraq, imperialist, chauvinist and fascist threats of the forces of liberation and progress in Egypt, North Yemen, etc. By supporting 5. preventing all initiatives to lessen the Asia, Africa and Latin America: "We have these fronts the danger posed by imperialism polarization between the patriotic and pro­ witnessed the downfall of some of imperia­ and its allies will be reduced. In closing he gressive forces and the forces of reaction and lism's bastions - in Iran, Nicaragua, and listed the major dangers and how to con­ treachery in the area. other places. Today, we are witnessing a new front them: 6. calling on the steadfastness and victory, El Salvador. Tomorrow we will "1. calling for a unified struggle program confrontation states to speed up their acti­ witness the victory of other peoples against between Syria, the Palestinian Revolution vities for establishing unified institutions; imperialism and its allies. The attempts made and the LPM in order to block the Zionist­ calling on the forces within it to defend and by imperialism to decrease its losses ... will fascist program in Lebanon and to support confront the present dangers." • SALUTE TO THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT IN 'NORTH YEMEN

February 11th marked the fifth anniver­ for an open dialogue with the regime, but sary of the establishment of the National reactionary forces such as the Moslem Democratic Front (NDF) in North Yemen. Brotherhood and the Iraqi regime are trying In a letter of solidarity, Comrade George to obstruct this process. They have waged a Habash expressed the full support of the propaganda campaign against such relations, PFLP to the unity and struggle of the and have gone so far as to attack the NDF Yemeni masses. He wrote that the establi­ leadership. These attacks have intensified shment of the NDF was a necessity dictated since March 1979, when the NDF proposed by the nature of the struggle in Yemen, and a program that was nominally accepted by that it illustrated the need to build such the regime in December 1980. This agree­ fronts in every Arab country. This would ment, which called for NDF participation in provide the necessary base for the creation the government, democratic rights and of a broad national democratic front on the amnesty for political prisoners, expressed Arab level, under a leadership that is com­ the basic hopes and aspirations of the mitted to the aspirations of the oppressed Yemeni people. However, implementation of Arab masses. the agreement has not been consistent, and Patriotic and progressives forces com­ reactionary forces have been doing all in memorated the founding of the NDF at a their power to obstruct it. Despite these mass rally held in Beirut on February 15th. attacks, the NDF has remained committed Comrade Sultan Ahmed Omar, leader of the to the December 1980 agreement. NDF, addressed the gathering, saying that Since its founding five years ago, the NDF has become an undeniable fact in the the creation of the NDF crowned the strug­ The homeland we don't defend, gle of the forces and parties from which it we don't deserve. political formula of Yemen. Its political was constituted. The NDF arose from the program for democratic development and need to confront the North Yemen and in North Yemen is dependent on imperia­ change is the path for the unity of Yemen. Saudi Arabian regimes, and the fragmen­ lism, whose interests are against the unity We salute the NDF on its anniversary, and tation and underdevelopment they have and independence of the Yemeni masses. we salute the struggle of the Yemeni people imposed on the Yemeni people. The regime Since its inception, the NDF has pushed for unity and social justice. •

24 back Zionist expansionism. So with techno­ logical help from the imperialists, the Israeli arms industry has grown. ISRAELI When analyzing the Israeli military­ industrial complex and the global arms MILITARY- INDUSTRIAL connection it has created, it is easy to get lost in the intricate ties between arms COMPLEX manufacturers, investment companies and foreign governments. 'Israel' has managed to market their weapons (and personnel to GLOBAL CONNECTIONS train armies in their use) from South Africa to Latin America. The cultural, trade and military links, especially between South The growth of the arms industry in Zionist entity is rooted in imperialism, not Africa and 'Israel' but expanded to include 'Israel' is unprecedented in the Middle East. just the continued power of a particular dictatorships in Latin America, have become The establishment of superior military monarch or ruling clique. In contrast, an known to the world as the "unholy allia­ capabilities to carry out Zionist plans, and to indigenous arms industry has not been nce." This label refers to the immoral and wage constant war against its neighbors, was encouraged in the less secure client states, genocidal use of the military machine to a prerequisite for the existence of 'Israel'. and a dependent relationship based on arms inflict death and destruction on people Imperialist backing first provided the neces­ sales has been preferred. This arrangement struggling for national liberation and self­ sary force to colonize Palestine and to sub­ also benefits international capital, creating determination, from Palestine to Namibia to jugate the indigenous population. Later, it lucrative markets in countries such as Egypt. El Salvador. Israeli dealings with racist and continued to bolster the Zionist economic Imperialism's backing of the Zionist fascist regimes has a political implication for structure that depended heavily upon the entity has been shown in many ways, but world opinion. This diplomatic-trade link military for its survival. Even though the none so clearly as within the arms industry. clearly shows that the nature of Zionism is major Israeli exports are agricultural and Imperialism's aim of creating a foothold in akin to racism, repression and reaction on a mineral (oranges and polished diamonds the Middle East, through aggressive military global scale. from South Africa), deadly arms, military force if need be, was helped along by the equipment and electronic communication strategy of nurturing a nascent military­ The history of the Israeli arms industry devices constituted approximately $1 billion industrial complex in 'Israel' shortly after Faced with a lull in the world arms worth of exports in 1980. 1948. The establishment of this military­ market after World War II, the major arms It is no accident that the Arab regimes industrial complex was a low risk-high producers turned to the 'third world.' lack the military development that 'Israel' security investment for US and western Countries with newly acquired oil revenues, has achieved . These regimes, like 'Israel', are European arms manufacturers after World such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, were bona­ structurally dependent on imperialism. But War II. These manufacturers were (and nzas for the arms dealers. The Zionist set­ the Arab ruling class cannot be perceived as continue to be) a part of the ruling class and tlements' role during the war was to provide a totally stable and reliable ally, because the big bourgeoisie in Britain, France, West storage and repair for military and civilian majority of the Arab people do not benefit Germany and the USA. 1 These entre­ equipment, especially aircraft. Whereas from imperialism as does the settler popula­ preneurs and their local counterparts were certain Arab countries were 'buying' their tion in 'Israel'. The very existence of the banking on the western imperialist powers to armed forces, the interwined civilian and military socio-economic structure in 'Israel' provided fertile ground for the native deve­ lopment of an arms industry. In 1915 the first foreign investors appeared. The Koor industries, a holding company for the Histadrut, along with a Scandanavian firm, founded the Soltam company, which manufactured mortar cannons and ammunition. In 1953, the Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) was established with help from the government leader David Ben Gurion. Although the company is :.>,. government-owned, it is organized and run as an independent firm designed to gain profits. Originally IAI relied upon its ex­ perienced laborers to maintain and repair JSIAEL military and civilian aircraft. In 1958, IAI .. .. and a French company signed an agreement .. ·:: . to build training aircraft (to train military " pilots) in 'Israel'. The license was not put to use because of limited Israeli resources. Until....._ 1967, IAI was limited to the manufacture Jill"'

25 of spare parts for aircraft. Later, after 1973, an attempt to become independent of advantage in selling since all its systems are it expanded to produce the Kfir ('lion cub' General Electric.) At times, reliance on battle-tested." Some of the fastest moving in Hebrew) combat fighter and the Gabriel American-made components has com­ items sold by these companies are Gabriel sea-to-sea missiles, two of the most contro­ plicated the arms trade business for 'Israel'. missiles (the largest selling export, used in versial items exported to South Africa, Latin Part of the US military aid packages for the 1973 war, and accounting for 350 America and other countries. A world 'Israel' include "no-forwarding" clauses, million dollars in sales), Shafrir missiles (sea renowned scandal surrounded the deve­ whereby Israeli sale of arms and military to land), Arava. STOL transport aircraft, lopment of the Kfir fighter when it was equipment is subject to veto if the equip­ Dvora patrol boats, radar and advanced revealed that Israeli agents stole the blue­ ment contains US-made components. The communications systems, and the most prints from the French Mirage jet fighter impact of such clauses is sometimes evident, well-known, the Uzi submachine-guns, the manufacturer in Zurich, Switzerland. as when the US vetoed the sale of 24 Kfir to Galil assault rifle and the Doaror guns. Two Ultimately, the Kfir was modified and is one Ecuador last year. However, the Israeli recent developments in the arms field are the of the largest export items today, yielding Finance Minister has proposed compensation Merkava tank and the future Lavie ('lion' in $6 million per plane. for this restriction by requesting that US Hebrew) fighter-bomber aircraft. These two Other companies were formed under arms manufacturers "make reciprocal new items are considered crucial for the French tutelage, such as Tadiran (1961) an purchases of Israeli products in return for continued success of the arms export electronics firm, and Tropomica (July, 1967, Israel's armaments acquisitions in the US" business in the Zionist state. one month after the June war) which later (Jerusalem Post, August 21, 1980, our became the well known Bet Shemesh italics). Also, the US uses 'Israel' as a 'go­ There has been a drastic increase in Israeli Engines company, manufacturers of genera­ between' for arms to third countries. This is arms export since 1973. Iri 1979, 20%ofall tors and engines essential for the deve­ the case with Israeli trade to South Africa, exports were arms. The figures for arms lopment of combat airplanes. After the 1967 where US arms are supplied to the inter­ deals are kept secret by the "unholy war, the arms industry began to hold its nationally boycotted apartheid regime alliance" partners, so accurate accounting is own. 100 Kfir jets were manufactured that through 'Israel'. Also, 'Israel' has been given impossible. However, since Kfir sales alone year. French and German sponsorship was full opportunity to bid for defense contracts account for $300 million dollars in sales, the gradually replaced by the US. Although as of on a par with the US. This maneuver has figure is surely much higher. The chart 1979 the West German Krupp company helped the US save face in exporting arms to below shows the growth of arms exports from owned 50% of the Koor complex and diplomatically sensitive countries, such as 'Israel' since 1967. Tropomica owned 50% of Bet Shemesh, US Taiwan. The US handed 'Israel' a deal for 60 investments compose<:! 60% of the electro­ Kfir jets to Taiwan last year, so that it could YEAR EXPORTS OF ARMS* nics industry, and the Hughes Company avoid confrontation with China. 1967 $10 million (founded by millionaire Howard Hughes) The arms industry has helped to develop 1976 $320 million owns many shares in Tadiran. By 1973, the Israeli economy by realizing a 44% year­ 1977 $450 million Israeli industry provided 90% of the to-year profit from 1973-1978. The major 1979 $750 million ammunition and . explosives, 85% of the companies today are Koor industries, IAI 1980 $1 billion electronics equipment and 50% of the and the Defense Ministry which account for communications systems for its military. 90% of the arms export. AsBusiness Week Trade relations However, the US still provided essential magazine reports, "exports are the key to The arms trade between 'Israel', South components such as the J-79 engine parts the Israeli defense industry's remarkable Africa and Latin America (especially Chile, used in Kfir's and F-15's, made by General success" (Business Week, April 2, 1979). To Argentina and the dictatorships in Central Electric, an American company. ('Israel' is promote their products, one Koor executive America) has a common base. All of these developing a new engine based on the J-79 in vice-president proclaimed: "Israel has a great regimes were established - and continue to be maintained - through military force. Gabriel missile - updated models are being used against the Salvadorean Revolution They suffer from various degrees of diplo­ matic isolation. Therefore, tht:y tend to do business together. Referring to 'Israel', one South African diplomat said so succinctly, "Both nations find themselves as pariahs, ·so it becomes expedient for pariahs to trade with each other." The strength of relations between South Africa and 'Israel' goes beyond political or economic ties. Both are racist settler-colonial regimes, sharing many of the same charac­ teristics. (We have dealt with these connec­ tions in Bulletin No. 36-37 and will there­ 2 fore not attempt to go into detail here. ) The South African economy is built on foreign capital investment and has very similar characteristics to the so-called "Brazilian Miracle" economy or the "Chicago Plan" for Chile. Some of the

26 to Guatemala who train army and police personnel in 'interrogation techniques.' '"'). \ "*.. :. Thousands of Cali! assault rifles, made in ~ . I 'Israel', were captured from the enemy by the Sandinistas in Nicaragua. Brazil, Argentina, and Chile head the list of arms dealers with 'Israel' and South Africa. One Chilean airforce commander described military relations with racist South Africa as "excellent". In El Salvador, revolutionaries have reported that Israeli patrol boats are being used by government troops, and Israeli advisors have been reported as present in the battle areas. Zionist links with US imperia­ lism have been soldered in the arms con­ nection that has reached across continents.

Beyond the arms trade World condemnation of the apartheid regime, repressive Latin American dictator­ ships and Zionist occupation have been initiated as moral stands against the racist, reactionary and repressive nature of imperia­ lism. But the heavy military hand of imperia­ lism does not disappear so easily. It is felt on a global scale. The connections between like-minded imperialists are not only through the sale and transfer of arms and Israeli nuclear plant near Tel Aviv: the Dimona reacror was designed in the fifties with the help of France, military equipment. The trade in techno­ that is now building two commercial reactors in South Africa. logy, agricultural expertise, resources, cultural and diplomatic relations are all world's richest mineral resources can be weapons testing ventures will take place in included in the bonds of imperialist relation­ found in the southern hemisphere within the the US Nevada desert. US global military ships. Each of these areas should be tackled southern cones of the continents of Latin strategy would benefit if it could control by the progressive forces combating imperia­ America and Africa. Currently these two neatly packaged alliances, NATO and lism. Above all, the armed struggle is neces­ resources are monopolized by foreign com­ SATO, by giving major power holders con­ sary to protect and defend the revolutionary panies, the profits of which are extracted or cessions such as offered 'Israel' and South forces from the military might of imperia­ benefit the local ruling elites. Because of Africa. lism, Zionism and reaction. similar economic concerns, South Africa has Latin America is increasingly becoming The recent defeats and crises for imperia­ proposed (with the helping hand of Washing­ the largest market for Israeli arms. Since lism have led to a renewal of its openly ton think-tank advisors) a strategic alliance 1973, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and aggressive policy. Thus, imperialism is with the Latin American dictatorships. This pre-revolutionary Nicaragua bought arms relying more - and not less - on the Israeli alliance would serve to 'protect' the trans­ almost exclusively from 'Israel'. This trade and South African military strongholds, and national foreign investments in these coun­ switch from Africa to Latin America is due on the Latin American dictatorships. Parallel tries. The plan would be called the South to two main factors; 1) the increasing to this, the cooperation within this triangle Atlantic Treaty Organization, SATO, and success of the national liberation movements increases. This reemphasizes the necessity of would be patterned after its predecessor, in Africa and 2) the diplomatic isolation of cooperation between the revolutionary NATO. This alliance still does not exist, but 'Israel' by Black Africa after 1973. A recent forces on a global scale. Only through rein­ increasingly frequent visits and diplomatic study from Hebrew University stated, "It is forced international solidarity can the forces shuttling across the ocean seem to indicate estimated that about one-half of Israel's challenging imperialism and its local allies be that the plan is cooking. total military exports are now sold in Latin victorious. Taking into consideration the nature of America" (Financial Times, September 12, the NATO alliance, and the proliferation of 1980). Customers for the counter-insurgency arms it has caused throughout Europe, it is aircraft Arava include Bolivia, El Salvador, * Source: Abu AI Namil Hussein, Israeli not unrealistic to expect further arms build­ Guatemala and Honduras. Since the US has Industry, 1979, p.170 (Arabic source). 1 See The Arms Bazaar by Anthony Sampson, up in the southern hemisphere, based on recently lifted the veto of sales to Latin Kfir Hodder and Stoughton, Ltd., 1977, for more trade between 'Israel', South Africa and America, Colombia has sought bids from information on this subject. Latin America. In addition, the US foreign 'Israel' for the fighter-bombers and Bolivia is 2 See General Union of Palestinian Women policy makers look favorably on this reportedly considering the purchase of 24 reprint, "South Africa, Zionism, and Israel: Smuts proposed alliance. There have been reports Kfirs since the military coup in July, 1980. and Weizmann." Journal of Pqlestine Studies Vol. III. No. 1 Autumn 1973. • that joint Israeli and South African atomic 'Israel' provides counter-insurgency advisors

27 We have confidence in the steadfastness GREETINGS TO THE of our masses, and their determination to continue the struggle until the establishment of a democratic Palestine. We also base our IRANIAN PEOPLE belief in the inevitability of our victory on the strong support of our allies, the forces of February 12, 1981 Zionism and reaction. The victory of the freedom, peace and progress in the world. Iranian Revolution has strengthened the Once again we extend to you and the Imam Ayatollah Khomeini Palestinian Resistance's stand against the Iranian masses our sincere congratulati;;ns President of the Iranian Islamic Republic Camp David conspiracy and all its rami­ on the second anniversary of the victorious Abu El Hassan Bani Sadr fications. The heroic uprisings of the Pales­ Revolution. tinian people in the occupied land have Long live the Iranian Revolution! On behalf of the Central Committee, foiled the implementation of the 'autonomy' Long live the solidarity between the Pales­ militants and cadres of the PFLP, I extend plot, while the Palestinian Revolution and tinian and Iranian people! to the victorious Iranian people our most the Lebanese Patriotic Movement, with the Down with imperialism, Zionism and sincere and warm congratulations on the support of the Steadfastness and Confron­ reaction! second anniversary of your revolution. tation Front, continue to confront the Dr. George Habash The great victory of the Iranian masses imperialist, Zionist and reactionary con­ General Secretary who toppled the Shah's regime, an imperia­ spiracies. of the PFLP list bastion in the area, has constituted strong support for the struggling forces in the world who are confronting imperialism and its local agents. Your revolution is a great victory for the Palestinian people in particular, whose struggle against the imperialist, Zionist, reactionary enemy has been strongly reinforced. Two years after your heroic victory, the Iranian Revolution is facing great dangers. These dangers are both internal and external, from the Shah's remaining agents, and imperialism and its local agents. The Iraqi regime's aggression against Iran is mani­ pulated by and for the benefit of imperia­ lism, with the aim of reversing the Revo­ lution and returning Iran to imperialist hegemony. The great dangers currently facing Iran require the resolving of all secondary contradictions for the purpose of achieving unity between all the patriotic, progressive and democratic forces, in order to stead­ fastly confront the primary enemies - imperialism, Zionism, and reaction. This involves democratic freedoms for the masses and their representative parties and organi­ zations. The unity and support of the national liberation movements, patriotic and progres­ sive forces throughout the world and their friends and allies, the socialist countries, is a prerequisite for the defeat of the imperialist conspiracies. We are confident that the Iranian masses, who continue to defend the Revolution and their democratic rights, are capable of foiling all conspiracies, and are capable of lifting Iran to its natural role alongside the forces of progress, democracy and liberation in the world. The Palestinian and Iranian masses are confronting a common enemy: imperialism,

28 • "The period of time between the socio-economic transformation taking 25th Congress and the current one has place in many countries and hastening been filled with great achievements on the victory of many national liberation the economic, social, political, cultural movements ... 26TH and organizational levels. These gains "The PFLP is confident that the CPSU CONGRESS have helped pave the way for trans­ alliance and solidarity of the revolu­ On the occasion of the 26th Con­ forming your country into a com­ tionary forces in the world, headed by gress of the Communist Party of the munist society ... the socialist community, especially the Soviet Union, Comrade George Habash "The policies of your great Leninist Soviet Union and your great party, sent a message of solidarity to the Party have played a major role in will be able to achieve the goals and Soviet leadership, emphasizing the determining the course of inter­ aspirations of the people for peace, following: national developments, reinforcing the progress and socialism."

1981 is the year of definitive victory for the Salvadorean people In early February, a comrade from the tionary forces during this stage of the guaranteeing peace and democracy. This Farabundo Marti Front for National Libera­ Salvadorean Revolution? unity comes from the base, and will build a tion in El Salvador (FMLN) visited Lebanon Presently in El Salvador, we have more humane and just society in which the on the invitation of the PFLP. The following achieved a high level of unity, which is a Salvadorean people can realize all of their interview, which deals with the current qualitative step forward for the struggle of aspirations. This unity is not only in name. situation in El Salvador, was conducted by the Salvadorean masses. This is a unity built It is constitutionally part of the FMLN, the the Bulletin staff. on principles that will guide the people political-military vanguard for the whole toward victory. After taking power, this revolutionary process in El Salvador. What are some of the qualities of the unity will guide the masses through the The FMLN consists of five political­ unity that has been achieved by the revolu- necessary stages to reach development, military organizations. Also, the Democratic~

29 Revolutionary Front (FDR) binds together all the revolutionary, progressive and democ­ ratic mass organizations, as well as a few other institutions such as the National University of El Salvador, the Catholic University, the Federation of Small Business­ men (FENAPES) and the Association of Bus Companies (AlAS). The Church is an observer in the FDR. The FDR recognizes the FMLN as the vanguard of the revolution. The FMLN and the FDR have one single governmental platform, which is for a democratic, revolutionary government. In this stage of the revolution, these two groups have one strategy: people war. To carry out this plan, they have agreed to form one, united government and four zones of con­ frontation in the war. The zones are: the western front, the central front, a strategic second front in the central area, and the repression that the present government has other Central American people will respond eastern front. The revolutionary directorate used against the Salvadorean people, we will with combativeness and dignity to an of the FMLN and the executive committee dissolve the present army and create a new imperialist invasion are evident. The revolu­ of the FDR have jointly appointed a one. This genuine peoples army will be tionary movement in Guatemala is very political-diplomatic comrrusswn. This constructed on the basis of the present developed, and solidarity with the Salva­ commission is strengthening ties on the revolutionary fighters. Those loyal class dorean people is very strong in Honduras. international level for support for our elements from the troops that want to Historically Central America is considered revolutionary process. The decisions made participate in the new army under the orders one area, and it is advancing toward liberty, from the base up, in the interests of the of the new government, and who are willing slowly but surely. Taking this into consi­ people, and with pluralistic participation, to struggle on an equal basis with our deration, if imperialism intervenes (directly), will provide the framework for the democ­ fighters, will have the opportunity. it will be defeated and not only will the ratic revolutionary government in El Salvadorean people achieve freedom, but so Salvador. What current signs of imperialist inter­ will all of Central America. vention are there in El Salvador, and what As for Israeli participation in the war. .. How do you view the formation of the new perspective do you have of the 'Vietnami­ Salvadorean troops have received training in government? What will be its principle zation' of Central America? 'Israel' and Israeli advisors are present in El interests, functions and goals? Imperialist intervention is a reality in our Salvador, carrying out damaging operations In a short time, a new democratic revolu­ country. There is intervention-politically, against the Salvadorean people. The Israelis tionary government will be formed, arising economically, and in military aid; advisors have given combat planes to the government from the historical, political and military and arms. The most sophisticated arms forces, but mostly we see the coastal patrol process in El Salvador. It will have the manufactured by imperialism and Zionism boats given by the Zionist state, which are character of an armed government and its are in the hands of the assassins of the used to launch bombardments on the people capital will be inside liberated Salvadorean Salvadorean people. They are trying to who live along the coast. These attacks are territory. The principle functions of the contain the victory of the revolutionary intended to restrict the insurrection of the government will be to carry out the political movement with these weapons. However, masses in these areas. programmatic platform of the democratic the threat of direct military intervention by revolutionary forces. The basic points of the Yankee marines continues to grow. We What are the implications of the Salva­ program are: believe that imperialism is predisposed to dorean Revolution for the intensified strug­ 1) A new country of El Salvador will be carry out this intervention. But the show of gle in Guatemala, Central America and Latin constituted, sovereign, free and independent. troops from the military dictatorships in America in general? 2) The conditions of underdevelopment Guatemala and Honduras didn't have major I would like to begin this answer by left by the oligarchy and imperialism effects due to the fact that our f~ghters were saying that Latin America is pregnant and demand that we develop the small and able to repel them and prevent them from very soon it will give birth to a new revolu­ medium sized businesses. entering liberated Salvadorean territory. tionary and free Latin America. Really, 3) On the international level, our govern­ However, we believe that if imperialism tries North American imperialism has made Latin ment will follow the policies of the non­ to intervene directly with its marines or by America into its private property. It has used aligned movement and will seek diplomatic reactionary Guatemalan and Honduran Latin America as the source of wealth, used relations with all countries who love liberty, troops, both imperialism and those who it to make arms with which it continues its democracy and peace. Our diplomatic rela­ support its ventures will be sorry. The poli­ domination. But the Latin Americans under~ tions will be on the basis of sovereignty and tical, military, economic, and human costs stand perfectly well that this situation respect for self-determination. will be high. The Salvadorean people are not cannot continue. They have taken up the 4) Given the conditions of corruption ready to bury their history, and we will do struggle to oust imperialism from the area, and the role of counter-revolution and everything to defend it. Also, the signs that and to crush the lackey governments, and

30 local oligarchies in each country, that defend strike is the final blow to put an end to the do not achieve victory in this stage, there imperialisl1\'s interests. dictatorship. will be a third. However, it doesn't go In the case of Central America, we have The lOth of January was the first stage, beyond that. We view a general offensive in the brilliant revolutionary example of which has had many successes in all the areas stages, but over a relatively short period of Nicaragua, that overthrew one of the worst of the revolutionary movement. We are time. 1981 is the year of definitive victory dynasties and dictatorships in all of Latin stronger than before, and the enemy is for the Salvadorean people, and we will America - that of Somoza. weaker, but not in arms. We know that make every effort to achieve liberation in The struggle in El Salvador is very imperialism immediately supplies the enemy, the early part of the year. advanced; the same in Guatemala, and but their morale is very low. The fact is, In closing, I would like to request all Honduras is developing quickly. This is not they are paid assassins and we are fighters peace and freedom loving people to support coincidental, but is a response to the with convictions and consciousness, and we us in our right to self-determination by imperialist and oligarchic design of domina­ are convinced that revolutionary violence is condemning North American imperialist tion in all of these countries. This genera­ the only way to achieve what is rightfully intervention, direct or by the regimes in lized uprising corresponds to the minimum ours. Shortly, the second stage of the general Guatemala and Honduras. We also call for standards of living, education, health and offensive will take place. We will be more recognition of the future democratic, revolu­ employment that the people suffer. The prepared technically, morale-wise, and tionary government in the liberated territory struggle reflects the historical necessity of logistically. This stage will have more of El Salvador. the Central American people gaining their dimensions, and it may be definitive. If we freedom and unity. It's true that Central • America is divided into several countries, but this is due to the voracity of imperialist and JOINT COMMUNIQUE oligarchic interests. Very soon Central On an invitation of the PFLP, a dele­ 5. Condemnation of the North American America will be one revolutionary entity. gation from the Farabundo Marti Front for imperialist intervention, whether direct or The intensification of the struggle in National Liberation of El Salvador - FMLN through the reactionary dictatorships in Guatemala now has the same significance - visited Lebanon. During the visit the Guatemala and Honduras, that aims to that the intensification of the struggle in El delegation met with other organizations of snatch victory away from the Salvadorean Salvador had when Nicaragua was on the the Palestinian Resistance and the Lebanese people. verge of liberation. This example will Patriotic Movement, who fully explained the 6. Firm support for the struggle of the continue in Central America. Events in El struggle that the Lebanese and Palestinian Palestinian masses under the leadership of Salvador will have serious repercussions not people are carrying out for their total the PLO, their sole legitimate representative, only because a defeat for imperialism is in liberation. against imperialism, Zionism and Arab store, but also because it shows the people After closely analyzing the process of reaction. Support to the struggle to liberate the way to obtain their just goals. liberation that the heroic masses in El the Palestinian homeland and establish a Salvador and Palestine are carrying out in sovereign and independent state. Both How do you view the process of the the common struggle against US imperialism, parties condemned the Camp David accords general offensive taking place in El Salva­ Zionism and reaction, and after visits by the which aim to liquidate the Palestinian Revo­ dor? Salvadorean delegation to mass institutions lution as well as the entire Arab national The decomposition of the Salvadorean of the Palestinian Resistance in South movement in order to impose total imperi­ regime in all of its aspects - its lack of Lebanon, the FMLN and the PFLP together alist domination in the Arab world, due to political support from the masses, the declared: its resources, especially oil, its markets and economic and governmental corruption, the 1. Fraternal salutes of solidarity to all strategic position. They also condemned the inability of the government to solve the peoples and governments in the world that imperialist-Zionist maneuvers to replace the smallest problems, and the massive repres­ are struggling for peace, democracy and PLO with others who are intent on repre­ sion - gave rise to the increased deve­ freedom, and especially to the Palestinian senting the Palestinian people, i.e. the lopment of the revolutionary movement. At and Salvadorean people. Jordanian option. They saluted the struggle the end of December (1980), the conditions 2. Firm recognition and solidarity with the of the masses in the occupied territories in were ripe for the masses to launch an offen­ FMLN and the PLO as the vanguards and their steadfast confrontation against the sive toward the final take-over of power. The legitimate representatives of their respective enemy and its colonial projects, in particular general offensive that began on January 10, peoples struggling for liberation. the 'autonomy' plan. 1981, was visualized as taking place in 3. Salutes to the Lebanese masses and their 7. Agreement to expand the friendly ties stages. The stages will become more pro­ vanguard, the Lebanese Patriotic Movement between the FMLN and the PFLP. found, broad and destructive to the enemy. (LPM) and the cooperation between the 8. Finally, they called on all peoples and The general offensive includes the call for LPM and the Palestinian Revolution in g

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