Palestinian officials celebrate anniversary

Palestinian officials stressed the need to move forward on the "trail of martyrs" by preserving the national constants agreed upon by the Palestinian people. This came in a ceremony organised by central government bodies on Wednesday evening in Ramallah. The ceremony, which took place at the Cultural Palace, coincided with celebrations for the 48th anniversary of the Palestinian revolution. It was attended by members of the Executive Committees of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation and Fatah, Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, a number of other ministers, and secretaries of various Palestinian factions. Mahmoud Aloul, a member of the Fatah central committee, said: "We had a difficult year but we managed to accomplish some great achievements on the path to democracy. We faced enemy warplanes in Gaza, and gave Palestine a birth certificate at the United Nations. We are proud of what we have done." Aloul added "This year we were threatened with continuous siege and political blackmail, our Arab brothers pressured us." Aloul stressed that Palestinian leaders are committed to their cause and no matter what happens they are ready to take on suffering in order to maintain their solid and strong political position. Secretary of the central office of government bodies Mazen Ghneim described what President Abu Mazaen achieved at the UN as "A historic achievement," confirming that they will insist upon "continuing the mission for which thousands of Palestinians died." The ceremony featured Palestinian folkloric shows produced by Independence University troupe led by Mohammed Kandah and artist Nevin Romey, and shows of Palestinian Dabke with the singers Alaa Radi, Nader Sayel and Mofeed Hantouli.