By Wendy Anders

The Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People will convene at the Holiday Inn–Convention Center in Managua, Nicaragua this weekend, said the United Nations General Assembly.

The theme of the event is, “Building Bridges with the Palestinian Diaspora in Central America” and comes near the fiftieth anniversary of the Israeli occupation of Palestine, continued the international body.

The round table discussion will center on ways in which the Palestinian diaspora in Central America can strengthen connections with Palestine to support the state’s self-determination and independence, with the ultimate goal of aiding in the establishment of just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

Attending the event will be prominent Palestinians such as Vera Baboun, Mayor of Bethlehem, and Nicola Khamis, Mayor of Beit Jala, as well as representatives of the Palestinian diaspora in Central America, including former Prime Minister Said Musa of Belize, diplomats, United Nations officials and academic experts, said the UN.

Central American countries have by and large assumed a posture of recognizing the State of Palestine over the last decade, said the UN.

“Following the opening session will be two panel discussions on the critical situation in Palestine as well as practical ways in which the Palestinian diaspora in Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Belize and other countries in Latin America can coordinate initiatives, reconnect with the homeland, advocate for an end to the occupation and support sustainable development in Palestine,” said the UN.

Further information is available upon request from the Division for Palestinian Rights via e-mail: [email protected].

Updates, including the Round Table programme and press releases, will be posted online at www.un.org/depts/dpa/qpal/calendar.htm.

A Chairman’s summary and a full report will be issued after the event, said the agency.