Mubarak Awad Returns to Palestine to Promote Democracy

Mubarak Awad, a renowned peace activist, has returned to the occupied territories after six years in exile, determined to teach Palestinians about democracy. As a key figure in the Palestinian uprising, known as the intifada, Awad has a strong vision for a democratic Palestinian state. He believes that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) should allow civil liberties and freedom of expression when it takes charge of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Awad plans to travel across the occupied territories, including towns, villages, and refugee camps, to educate Palestinians about democracy and the importance of free elections.

Key Takeaways:

• Mubarak Awad has returned to Palestine after six years in exile to promote democracy and civil liberties.
• Awad, a peace activist, is determined to ensure that the PLO allows freedom of expression and civil liberties when it takes charge of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
• Awad plans to travel to various locations in the occupied territories, including towns, villages, and refugee camps, to teach Palestinians about democracy and the importance of free elections.
• Awad believes that the PLO should conduct elections in June or July to select a leadership council to run affairs in an autonomous Jericho and the Gaza Strip.
• Awad is concerned that there have not been any efforts made at educating and preparing Palestinians for free elections, leading to widespread uncertainty on who will be eligible to vote.
• Awad advocates for a Palestinian model that fits the country's culture and mentality, rather than adopting a Western-style democracy.
• Awad believes that PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat should run for election for only one four-year term, after which the PLO as an institution will cease to exist.

Statistics:

• 26 years: The length of time Palestinians have been living under occupation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
• 1888: The year in which Awad was deported to the United States.
• 1988: The year in which Awad was deported, marking the beginning of his six-year exile.
• 13 September: The date on which the Palestinian-Israel accords were signed in Washington, allowing Awad and other deported Palestinian activists to return for limited visits to their homeland.
• 2 weeks: The timeframe within which Awad plans to travel to various locations in the occupied territories to discuss elections with Palestinians.

Sources:

• United Press International (no publication date mentioned)
• The Palestinian-Israel accords (signed on 13 September 1993)