Former PA PM: Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades are part of Fatah and will not be dismantled
“Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei (Abu Alaa) in an interview to Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper during his recent visit to Cairo
Question: “What is the future of the resistance, in light of the Egyptian move, and what about the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades – will they be dismantled?”
PM Ahmed Qurei: “Concerning the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, we have already announced clearly that they are part of Fatah, and that we are committed towards them. Fatah takes full responsibility, and we are obliged to ensure three things concerning them, on the basis of their commitment to the PLO political program:
Question: “What is the future of the resistance, in light of the Egyptian move, and what about the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades – will they be dismantled?”
PM Ahmed Qurei: “Concerning the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, we have already announced clearly that they are part of Fatah, and that we are committed towards them. Fatah takes full responsibility, and we are obliged to ensure three things concerning them, on the basis of their commitment to the PLO political program:
a. Within Fatah – they have the right to carry out political activity. This is the right of every member.
b. To act to assure their personal security, because they are wanted and under threat. We shall achieve this through cooperation between the Quartet, the international community, and the Israelis.
b. To act to assure their personal security, because they are wanted and under threat. We shall achieve this through cooperation between the Quartet, the international community, and the Israelis.
c. To ensure their sustenance, financially and socially, like any member of the fighting personnel in the Fatah ranks, in order that they will have means of sustenance with dignity.
The debate concerning the question of ‘who the Al-Aqsa Brigades are’ has already been clearly decided. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades will not be dismantled, and the question is how we could dismantle them – they are part of Fatah. They will be absorbed within the Fatah institutions, like any other faction.”