Palestinian human rights leader calls for non-violent revolt

RAMALLAH Ñ A leading Palestinian human rights activist has called for an end to the mini-war against Israel.

Instead, Bassem Eid, director of the Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group, wants what he terms a non-violent intifada, or revolt.

"I am not talking about obedience," Eid said. "I am talking about civilian disobedience. We, the Palestinians, have the full right to continue our resistance against the occupation, to liberate our occupied territories and to declare our independent state. We can do so through non-violent resistance."

Eid, who is touring the United States, said a non-violent uprising can garner more sympathy in the West. He said this would include the public in Israel.

"I understand why the Palestinians are reacting to violence through violence," Eid said. "However, violence is leading us nowhere. I believe that a non-violent strategy on the Palestinian side would raise more sympathy for our cause, even in the American media."

The human rights activist said the Palestinians are ready to accept the idea of non-violence, if it proves effective.

"The best way to do this is by example; once a first action is organized and successful, the movement could gain a momentum of its own," Eid said. "Hopefully you will see this in your lifetime."

Eid's call contrasted with that of Palestinian groups, which have urged an escalation of violence. Hamas leader Ahmed Yassin has called on Arab governments to supply weapons to the Palestinians.

"We are asking Arabs and Muslims for material aid and weapons because the Palestinian people need arms to fight Israel," Yassin told the Paris-based Radio Monte Carlo.