Presidency condemns racist remarks by Dutch MP Geert Wilders

The Palestinian Presidency has strongly condemned the recent racist statements made by Dutch MP Geert Wilders, in which he denied the Palestinian people's right to their historical homeland, Palestine. In a press statement, the Presidency emphasized that "Palestine is the historical homeland of the Palestinian people, whose independent State has been internationally recognized in this homeland, not elsewhere." The Presidency reiterated that "peace and security in the region can only be achieved through the establishment of this Palestinian state." "The destiny and choices of the Palestinian people are determined by the Palestinians themselves, through their legitimate representative, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)," said the Presidency. "Geert Wilders and others, regardless of their positions or powers, have no right to decide the fate of the Palestinian people." This condemnation from the Presidency comes in response to Wilders' remarks that dismiss the rights and historical connection of th e Palestinian people to their land. A populist and anti-Islam far-right politician, Wilders, leader of the Freedom Party (PVV), is known for his firm support for the Israeli occupation. Over the last few years, he has advocated for the right of Israel to set up settlements in the West Bank, and he often reiterated the idea that Jordan is Palestine, suggesting that the Palestinian issue could be resolved through the dislocation of Palestinian people to Jordan. Source: Palestine news and Information Agency – WAFA