International Solidarity Poll: Most W. Bank Refugees Advocate Right of
Return
[With thanks to www.mideastweb.org/mewnews1.htm ]
GMP20030529000221 Ramallah Al-Hayah al-Jadidah in Arabic 29 May 03 p 2
[Report by Rumal Sharur al-Suwayti in Nabulus: "International Solidarity:
95.4% of Refugees Stick To Right of Repatriation"]

[FBIS (US Government agency) Translated Text] The Organization of
International Solidarity for Human Rights has conducted a survey on the
right of repatriation among the residents of Palestinian refugee camps in
the northern West Bank, who constitute one- third of the West Bank refugees.
The survey gauged the refugees' opinions on reparations, settlement, and the
establishment of a Palestinian state within the entire 1967 borders in
return for renouncing the right of return. The study also examined the
refugees' views of the service provided by UNRWA [UN Relief and Works
Agency].

The survey showed that 88 percent of those polled opposed settlement [at
their current place of residence], and 6.1 were in favor. Some 95.4 percent
affirmed their adherence to the right of return together with reparations,
and 4.6 percent opposed this option; 91 percent opposed receiving
reparations in exchange for renouncing the right of return; and 84 percent
oppposed the establishment of a Palestinian state in exchange for
renunciation of the right of return, while 11 percent were in favor of this
option.

Some 82.4 percent of the respondents said UNRWA does not carry out its role
properly; 75 percent said the agency is seekiing to reduce its services; and
85 percent were against severing the agency's services for a certain amount
of money. Some 78 percent were displeased with their living conditions at
the refugee camp.

About 82 percent of the refugees said they talk with their children about
the houses they were driven away from in 1948; 5 percent said they do not ta
lk about it; and 12 percent did not respond.

Some 87 percent objected to living in settlements instead of their original
villages of 1948, 4 percent agreed, and 6 percent did not reply.

Eighty-seven percent of those polled said no one -- regardless of his
position -- can annul their right of return, while 12 percent did not reply.
Some 84 percent said they hope to return to their original villages, and 11
percent said they have lost hope of returning.

The survey shows that the vast majority of refugees stick to their right of
return and self-determination and reject any proposal that renounces the
right of return.

[Description of Source: Ramallah Al-Hayah al-Jadidah in Arabic -- Daily
owned by the Palestinian Authority]