Arab-Israeli Knesset Member Ahmad Tibi stirred controversy at the Doha Forum when he listed himself as being a representative of 'Palestine,' not Israel. The Palestinian Authority had sent a delegation of six, and the group chose Tibi to as its leader. Twenty-six representatives made up Israel's delegation, led by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.
Tibi's office claimed that although he is a member of the Israeli Knesset, invitations were made to individuals, and as such, he has the right to list himself however he pleases.
Those coordinating the Doha Forum disagreed: Invites were sent to countries, not individuals.
During the Q&A of Tzipi Livni's keynote address, Tibi charged Livni with being a hypocrite for speaking about democracy while representing what he called an 'Apartheid State.'
Livni responded from the podium: 'The very fact that you are an Israeli Knesset member, that you are the deputy speaker of the Knesset as a matter of fact, who represents 20% of Israel's population, that you are here and that you can say anything you please – that is the proof that Israel is a democratic nation.'
The fraças continued back in Israel. Kadima Knesset Member Majalli Whbee said 'it's time for Ahmad Tibi to decide which country he represents. It is Tibi's right to stand for the country or entity of his choosing, but he cannot be a member of one nation's parliament while representing another at international conventions.'
Others echoed such sentiments. Some called for Tibi's removal from the Knesset. 4/15/2008
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