Ashqar announces candidacy for President of the PNA
Calls for inclusion and pledges reform

(Washington, DC – 12/16/04) Dr. Abdelhaleem Ashqar, the Islamist Candidate for President of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), joined by his wife and scores of supporters, stated at a press conference held today that “the partners in sacrifice will be partners in decision making” and called upon all Palestinian factions to take part in the decision making process to build the future of Palestinian state on principles of peace with justice.

Dr. Ashqar introducing himself as an independent lslamist candidate. He called for the formation of a new collective PNA leadership capable of relieving the Palestinian people of the decade long financial and administrative corruption and monopoly. He pledged to rally all factions around a national mandate that will constitute and adhere to accepted guidelines and policies for negotiations with the Israelis. He cautioned that negotiations could not continue without clear and realistic goals. He emphasized that negotiations must be based on national priorities and interests. Any other basis for negotiations will prolong the conflict and produce more hostilities.

Dr. Ashqar pledged to take steps to improve the quality of health, education and social well being of the Palestinians. He stressed the need to develop strong indigenous economy. The Palestinian people have suffered and endured for many decades under Israel’s military occupation. They deserve freedom, dignity, prosperity and peace. Dr. Ashqar committed to take steps to enhance governmental and social services through professional and volunteer corps. He vowed to take steps to empower the Palestinian judiciary and legislative institutions, protect the public freedoms and civil liberties, and to ensure free, democratic and inclusive legislative and municipal elections by next summer.

On Israel’s right to exist, Dr. Ashqar acknowledged Israel is a reality. At the same time, he equally emphasized the Palestinian’s right to an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital and the right of all Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and villages. He pledged to work for a final settlement that guarantees peace, security and prosperity for all.

Dr. Ashqar’s has been in the Palestinian public sphere since his college days at Bir Zeit University in the West Bank, and later during tenure at the Public Relations Department at the Islamic University of Gaza. He continued his political involvement and public outreach to rally support for the Palestinian cause after he moved to the United States. His activism has been under investigation by the federal Government. He maintained his innocence to several federal charges brought recently against him in connection with his activism. He has been under house incarceration since his release from jail. A federal judge granted him a four-hour relief in order to hold a press conference to formally announce his candidacy.