Dr Mustafa Barghouti addresses the Britain-Palestine APPG, House of Commons October 15th

Forward Thinking attended, and helped to organise, a discussion with Dr Mustafa Barghouti, hosted by the Britain-Palestine All Party Parliamentary Group, that explored the current situation in Palestine. Dr. Barghouti is a leading Palestinian democracy activist who engages with all parts of the political establishment.  He was a candidate for the presidency of the Palestinian National Authority in 2005 and finished second to Mahmoud Abbas, who he retains a close relationship with. Dr Barghouti co-founded the Palestinian National Initiative in 2002, and currently serves as its Secretary-General.  The Initiative aims to build Palestinian national unity through the establishment of a united leadership, by promoting an accountable and transparent democratic system in the OPT, and by strengthening contacts between Palestinians in the Territories and the Diaspora.At the meeting, Dr Barghouti spoke on a range of topics including: the challenges posed to the peace process by continued settlement expansion; the lessons that should be learned from the Oslo Process; the issue of water rights; and what role the international community and aid organisations can play in resolving the conflict. The talk was well received and was attended by parliamentarians from all major parties.