Palestinians too looking to Gandhian way: ambassador

Terming the Gandhian way of protest as "more relevant" in Palestine, its ambassador Nabeel Shaath on Friday said Mahatma Gandhi has inspired the new generation in his homeland to carry out their struggle in a non-violent way.

Terming the Gandhian way of protest as "more relevant" in Palestine, its ambassador Nabeel Shaath on Friday said Mahatma Gandhi has inspired the new generation in his homeland to carry out their struggle in a non-violent way.

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"Gandhian formula is coming back in Palestine and at this stage it's our favoured non-violent strategy to gain independence. Mahatma Gandhi and Mandela have inspired the new generation in many ways rather than people like Che Guevara," he said.

Expressing appreciation for India's continued support to the "Palestinian cause", he said, "India was the first non-Arab state to recognise the state of Palestine in 1988. We understand that India has economic needs and despite its problems of growth, it has still supported our cause."

The ambassador viewed India as the most legitimate candidate for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and said it could help promote the Palestinian cause.

"India is the most legitimate candidate for permanent berth in UNSC. It will surely help our cause," Shaath said.

Earlier Shaath met external affairs minister S M Krishna and minister of state E Ahamed, and sought India's support for the Palestinian cause especially during the forthcoming UN session.