Dr. Mustafa Barghouti in visit in London

Dr Mustafa Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian political figure, participated in a round table discussion at the House of Lords at the invitation of Lord Hylton, a Forward Thinking Trustee, during his recent visit to the UK.

Dr Barghouti highlighted the many problems Palestinians face nowadays, emphasising the further deterioration of the civil rights, the freedom and the standard of living in what he described as a state divided by apartheid. He questioned the continued validity of the two-state solution policies claiming that while a peace process has been under way for many years, in practical terms, the political sovereignty of the Palestinian state has been continually undermined by the growth of Settlements.

Dr. Barghouti called on Europe to show a more independent view on the Middle East Peace Process from that of the United States and to work towards finding a durable solution in the region. In this respect, he particularly emphasised the role of United Kingdom, France, Sweden and Spain.

Forward Thinking has also facilitated Dr. Barghouti’s meetings with Ivan Lewis, the Minister of State at the Foreign Office and The New Routes committee that focuses on supporting and raising awareness about Palestinian non-violent resistance

Dr. Barghouti, with Forward Thinking’s help, has also met UK Jewish leaders, who expressed their discomfort in the deterioration of the civil rights of the Palestinian people under the current Israeli government and asked for his advice on what can be done in the UK to support the rights of the Palestinians. Dr Barghouti suggested forming a lobbying group such as the J street group of USA.