Palestinians disavow 'right of return'

[oberliner]

A large and growing number of young Palestinians born abroad have no interest in coming to the Palestinian Authority or Israel, Palestinians in London have told Ynetnews.


They expressed anger at Palestinian leaders for continuing to trumpet a "right of return," a call which is neither desirable nor realistic, the men said, adding that the demand is merely an attempt to force concessions out of Israel during peace talks.


Seeking a good standard of living, Palestinians born in Lebanon have left for Europe and North America to escape the state-imposed discrimination placed on them by the Lebanese government which does not grant them citizenship or basic rights, the men say.


"Most Palestinian refugees who live in Lebanon are not concerned about returning to Palestine or to Israel because we have been outside of Palestine for 60 years," Rami Abdel Rahim, a 26 year-old Palestinian living in London, said.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3389381,00.html

[ret5hd]

1. a palestinian diaspora?

[msmcghee]

2. Sounds more like a Palestinian voting with his feet.

The only "return" he said was important was the right to visit Palestine. No-one has suggested that Palestinians would not be welcome to move to the new Palestine state anyway - that's a gimme. So, all he's saying is for the Palestinian leadership to stop using his supposed desire to move to Israel as a bargaining chip in the peace process.

Seems like he would rather have a peaceful state of Palestine - than a ticket to Israel. As I've said before - it seems that most of the more pragmatic and sensible Palestinians have left - which is one reason the problem is so intractable.

[breakaleg]

3. I've read that the number of Palestinians who would choose to return if given that choice

is much smaller than the number that would technically be allowed. This is not new. But the option should be there for those that want it. It is their right.