Shooting feet
Sir: For Christopher Walker ('Vetoed by the PLOT, 30 May) a debate in the Oxforu Union on the motion 'This house believes that an independent Palestine is the onlY way for lasting peace in the Middle Base seems to be a ticket to London, 'sortie knock-about debate preceded by Pimnis 00 the lawn, dinner with old chums' before 'winging his way towards a night in the Raw dolph Hotel at the Union's expense', For me, a Palestinian who has had to live tW° thirds of my life in exile, it is a matter of vvar and peace, life and death, exile or return' possible justice or continued oppression. When I was approached three month.s, ago by the president of the Oxford UI11011, immediately observed that four speakers were envisaged to present the Palestinhan. case, but only three on the Jewish-Isran.11 side. Out of fairness — and Palestinian fair- ness has no reason to envy British fair plaY — I asked that there be an equal numb on both sides and that the team I was invite ed to join be reduced to the same size as the opposition. On the other hand, having on the Jewish- Israeli side three distinguished, very repre: sentative and highly motivated panellists, thought that on a shortlist of three, Mr Walker was not an obvious choice t° defend Palestinian statehood. I am entitled - to my opinions and I admit I am very unl51 pressed by his reporting from Jerusalem as well as by the unquestioning editorial 50' port of the Times for every single extrava• gant and capricious Netanyahu policy. Wa.s that 'censorship'? Of course not. The presi- dent of the Oxford Union can confirm that I told her I had no problems with Mr Walk- er performing on the other team if heitheY so desired. Was that last attitude a mantfes- tation of my poor opinion of his qualifica- tions? Maybe. Invoking the case of Daoud KuttabWas
LETTERS
nauseating. Daoud and his lawyer brother Jonathan Kuttab could both tell you that my efforts were among many others that led to his release, not to his incarceration. Finally, I am sure your readers are inter- ested to know the results of the Oxford Union debate. The motion in favour of Palestinian statehood was carried by 282 votes to 202. If this is 'shooting oneself in the foot', I wish I had many more than two feet to shoot at.
Afif Safieh,
Palestinian General Delegate to the United Kingdom, 5 Galena Road, London W6
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