Ramallah / PNN – Chief Negotiator in the Palestine Liberation Organization, Dr. Sa’eb Erekat, is again attempting to garner the release of imprisoned Palestinian officials.

The Israeli administration is holding dozens in its prison, but of particular concern to Dr. Erekat today was Jamal Tirawi.

The Palestinian Legislative Council member is among those who Erekat says President Abbas is negotiating for as well. During a meeting of he Palestinian Information Foundation it was learned that repeated attempts have been made to release Fuad Shobaki and Tirawi, along with the headline grabbers Marwan Al Barghouti and Ahmed Sa’adat.

Dr. Aziz Dweik of the Hamas party was among those whom the Israelis arrested upon winning the Palestinian Legislative Council elections. His health is ailing which makes him of particular concern.

Fateh’s Al Barghouti has been expected on numerous occasions to be released “at any time.” Sa’adat of the leftist PFLP may never make it out of Israeli prison after being kidnapped from a Palestinian Authority jail three years ago.

Dr. Erekat said today that the Israeli policy of imprisoning elected Palestinian officials contravenes the norms of the international community whose responsibility it is to compel the occupying administration to adhere to the law.

Jamal Tirawi is on the top of the list today of 11,000 Palestinians whose freedom is being demanded.

However, for the third time an Israeli military court postponed the trial of Tirawi, this time until 15 March. Trial postponement is a common tactic with years sometimes passing. Attorney Raed Alonis said the Salem Military Court in Jenin postponed the current appointment of Tirawi twice this week.

The Israeli court has acquitted the Palestinian Legislative Council deputy of all charges against him which include political affiliation.

Tirawi himself continues to call from prison for national dialogue, reconciliation and a unity government.