LIVONIA — Palestinian Authority Ambassador to the United States Ma’en Areikat visited the Antiochian Orthodox Basilica of St. Mary Cultural Center on Wednesday, October 26, fielding questions and updating guests on the status of Palestine’s dramatic pursuit of statehood at the UN. 

Ambassador Ma’en Areikat (above, left) said that the push for statehood is heating up and the United States and Palestien are both in the process of trying to sway countries for votes. PHOTO: Nick Meyer/TAAN

The race for votes has continued in the UN’s security council, with Palestine needing 9 votes out of 15 members in order to become a full member along with no vetoes from the five permanent council members of Britain, France, China, the U.S. and Russia. The United States has expressed their intentions to veto a statehood vote but wants to convince enough nations to vote against so it will not have to use that option. Areikat said that representatives are still working to convince other nations. 

“This is the most appropriate way to do it, to become members of the UN,” Areikat said. “In the case of South Sudan, the most recent country admitted, the process took less than a week, about four days to become the 193rd state of the UN.

“Of course, we were aware that our situation would not be nearly as smooth because of the fact that the U.S. clearly indicated that they would veto it, but we are going ahead with the request no matter what.” 

Currently, the Palestinians have six certain votes on the council and are attempting to sway other members who may be up in the air including Bosnia, Gabon and Nigeria. Colombia, the only South American country not in support of a Palestinian state, happens to be on the security council as one of its temporary members (until 2012). 

“We have told Ban ki Moon, the UN (Secretary General), that we feel the delay in the process is intentional and being used to put pressure on countries to try to block our request, but we will come out publicly against it,” Areikat said.

Areikat said that countries don’t think the same way today as they did in the past on such issues.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina along with Croatia and Serbia have always had an excellent relationship with the PLO but now I think they are seeking NATO and EU membership, this tells you  how the politics of today has transformed, no longer are positions based on principals, morals, or ethics but on interests,” he said.

Areikat reiterated the PLO’s desire to become a non-member state if that’s the best option, which would be given if a general assembly vote passes as expected after a veto or failure to get enough security council votes. Such status would give Palestine the right to participate in international forums and maybe even pursue alleged Israeli war criminals legally, Areikat said. 

The ambassador was invited by The American Federation of Ramallah, Palestine along with The Ramallah Club of Metro Detroit. The crowd of about 60 people was also given the chance to ask questions on the evening. One question centered around whether or not negotiations are worthy of continuing considering the one-sided nature of the “peace process.” 

Areikat said that the main goal should be to do whatever it takes to keep Palestinians on their land as Israelis have continued to attempt to build illegal settlements. He said that he thought the Oslo Accords of 1993 would finally bring peace but sharply criticized Israel for not honoring its commitments. 

Another audience member asked Areikat what Arab Americans and supporters of Palestine can do in the U.S. in order to make a difference. 

Areikat said that the issue with U.S. activists is that they often operate on their own in small groups. While every effort to spread awareness helps, he said that activists need to become  more organized  and united to become politically relevant. 

Another attendee, Rodney Bentz of the First Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor, stepped up to the microphone and personally apologized to Areikat as a U.S. citizen. He said he supports the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement and has convinced fellow churchgoers. 

“I am so ashamed I have seriously considered withdrawing my citizenship for the unethical actions of the United States, we have never been an honest broker in this situation,” he said. 

Areikat thanked him and told him to keep his citizenship and to continue his work. Father George Shalhoub of the church presented Areikat with a ceramic gift featuring the likeness of Mary on behalf of the Arab Christian and Muslim American communities. 

Areikat also was expected to film a taping of the TV show “Flashpoint,” which airs on Sundays at 10 a.m. with host Devin Scillian and to speak at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. He also met with a local reporter and recalled thoughts he related to him. 

“Americans are fair people, and they always take the side of the underdog, except when it comes to Palestine and Israel,” he said. 

“At the level of the ordinary American I think we find a lot of sympathy and understanding (when they’re educated about Palestine), but ultimately I am not disappointed in the American people but in the American representatives for not serving the interests of the people who elected them.

“But there will be a time when the people say enough is enough.”