Friday 09 June 2006 12:29 PM GMT
Zawahiri: Palestine's liberation is the duty of every Muslim
Aljazeera has aired a videotape in which al-Qaeda number two, Ayman al-Zawahiri, urges Palestinians to reject the referendum proposed by Mahmud Abbas, the Palestinian president.
"I call upon them to reject any referendum on Palestine, because Palestine is not for bargaining or bidding," al-Zawahri said, addressing Muslims in general, in the video telecast on Friday.
"Palestine was a land of Islam, and its liberation is the duty of every Muslim."
Mentioning armed Muslim fighters, prisoners and their families, al-Zawahiri said: "I call upon Muslims everywhere to support the brothers in Palestine."
Wearing a white turban and tunic, al-Qaeda's deput leader appeared against a black background. He repeatedly waved his right hand and pointed his finger in a gesture of admonishment.
He also praised Abu Musab al-Zarqawi but did not mention his death, suggesting it was made earlier.
Aljazeera said that the tape was made before the announcement of al-Zarqawi's death, because al-Zawahiri praised the al-Qaida in Iraq leader's efforts to confront US-led forces in Iraq.
"God bless the prophet of Islam in Iraq, the persistent hero of Islam, the Holy Warriors Abu Musab al-Zarqawi," al-Zawahiri said.
He sent greetings to the Shura Council of Mujahedeen in Iraq and anti-US fighters, "who are confronting Crusaders and their apostate aids and the merchants of religion".
Al-Zawahiri, who has focused on political issues before in his tapes, also gave his opinions on the campaign by a group of Egyptian judges for the independence of the judiciary, and the situation in Darfur, west Sudan.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/6D92126A-F84D-4491-96CE-5DA8533260EC.htm
Thanks, Donna.