FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MADRE, An International Women's Human Rights Organization
Palestinian Elections: Interviews Available
Contact:
Irene Schneeweis,
Media Coordinator
PHONE: 212-627-0444
EMAIL: media@madre.org
January 23, 2006—New York—MADRE, an international women's human rights organization, contends that Wednesday's national elections in the West Bank and Gaza Strip—the first in 10 years—raise serious questions about prospects for Palestinian democracy and the future of the Middle East peace process.
For example, the Bush Administration says that it will not recognize any Palestinian Authority that includes Hamas. Yet, Hamas is expected to win 40 percent of the vote on Wednesday, and will almost certainly be a major force in the new Legislative Council. Can the Bush Administration have it both ways—demanding democratic elections, but discounting results that don't conform to its prescriptions?
In an upcoming report, MADRE Communications Director Yifat Susskind addresses this question and others surrounding this week's parliamentary elections. Why do so many Palestinians support Hamas and why are people predicting a civil war in the Occupied Territories? Should we expect renewed violence between Israelis and Palestinians? And is there hope for negotiations now that Israel is reeling from the sudden end of Ariel Sharon's career and preparing for its own elections in March?
Ms. Susskind is available to comment on these and other issues related to the Palestinian Legislative Council elections taking place Wednesday, January 25 in the Occupied Territories.
Yifat Susskind, MADRE's Communications Director, was born and raised in Israel and was active in the Israeli women's peace movement for several years. She has written extensively on US foreign policy and women's human rights in the Middle East for MADRE and various print and online publications. Ms. Susskind has also been featured as a commentator on CNN, National Public Radio, and BBC Radio.
