The PLO

Palestine Liberation Organization Founded in 1964 Gave voice to Palestinian in refugee camps in Lebanon Blanket organization for many splinter groups Led by al-Fatah and Yassir Arafat until 2004 Current leader Mahmoud Abbas

PLO Charter 1967 primary goal became destruction of state of Israel Elimination of Zionism by force Outlines who is considered a Palestinian Elimination of Israel

1974 PLO alters its focus Moves away from terrorism Includes more political focus on dialogue Granted observer status by the UN Sole legitimate representative of Palestinian people 1991 removed from terrorist organization list

Oslo Accords Aug. 20, 1993 Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin Granted Palestinians right to self-gov’t in Gaza Strip and part of West Bank Sept 9 – Arafat and PLO recognize right of State of Israel to exist in peace and security