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In addition, it can't "dissolve" its parent body or claim independence from the PNC or PLO. Also, the PLO and PNC derive their legitimacy "from the fact that they represent all sectors of the displaced Palestinian people, no matter where they presently live or have refuge."
Goodwin-Gill expressed special concern for Palestinian refugees, represented by the PLO through the PNC.
"They constitute more than half of the people of Palestine, and if they are 'disenfranchised' and lose their (UN) representation....it will not only prejudice their entitlement to equal representation....but also their ability to (air) their views, to participate in matters of national governance, including the formation and political identity of the State, and to exercise their right of return."
Former PLO representative/now Oxford University Professor Karma Nabulsi also expressed concerns, saying:
"Without question, no Palestinian will accept losing such core rights for such a limited diplomatic initiative in September. First, we will hot have liberated territory, (and by) losing the PLO as the sole legitimate (UN) representative....our people immediately lose our claims as refugees to be part of our official representation, recognized by the world."
She added that knowing the legal dangers should lead to an initiative that "will protect the status of the PLO" and rights of all Palestinians.
The PLO represents them all, not selective parts only. It also established the PA. Changes in who represents Palestinians "require an expression of the popular will and international recognition."
Assuring new rights gained in September loses no current ones is crucial she and Goodwin-Gill believe.
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