This article was originally published by Palestine News Network and is republished with permission.

President Abbas addressed crowds in Ramallah Thursday afternoon on the occasion of 42 years of the Fateh movement. He said that their struggle has been continuous, "transforming the question of Palestine from the case of refugees to the cause of a people."

The President commented on contemporary politics at the same time hearkening to the past. "The revolution was triggered by the movement in 1965 and has lasted until today, adopting the principle of safeguarding national unity and a democracy of pluralism. We are focused on the justice of the cause in relation to realistic policy which necessitated the obligation to not intervene in the internal affairs of Arab countries."

During his speech in the central square of Ramallah at noon today, he addressed the children of the Fateh movement. "We are commemorating the beginning of the second session and stressing the need to preserve national unity, to prohibit internal strife. I will never allow any individual or group to cause a civil war that kills the dream of freedom and independence."

He condemned those who are "armed in the streets and claim innocent lives." The President turned his talk to a range of issues that concern the Palestinian people, including the blockade "that punishes the people for their democratic choice." He also included comments on speculation of financial corruption, saying that all resources that arrived in the institution of the presidency went through official channels and were officially registered.

President Abbas also discussed his call for early legislative and presidential elections, pointing out that the time to blame is over and "we must concentrate on finding solutions." He also said that a new government "does not imply a coup against any previous governments."

He stressed that he believes there is no way around dealing with Israel and the fact that Palestinians live under occupation which gives them little room to maneuver, but that "no provisional state is acceptable, and there will be no bargaining on the issue of refugees and we will not give up one inch of Jerusalem."

In conclusion President Abbas stressed that the Palestinian people demand peace based on justice, while appealing to the international community, particularly the Quartet Committee and the United States, to shoulder their responsibilities, implement international resolutions, and to put an end to the policy of double standards.