Barghouti quotes Sharon in defence

Defiant Barghouti a possible successor to Yasser Arafat

A Palestinian leader on trial for murder has quoted a recent statement by the Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, in a challenge to the court.

Marwan Barghouti asked the court in Tel Aviv: "If your prime minister recognises there is occupation, what do you expect people to do?"

He was referring to Mr Sharon's reference to "occupation" last week to describe Israel's control over Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.

Until his arrest a year ago, Mr Barghouti was leader of Yasser Arafat's Fatah movement in the West Bank and is seen by many as a potential successor to the veteran Palestinian leader.

If your prime minister recognises there is occupation, what do you expect people to do?

Marwan Barghouti

He is charged with multiple counts of murder related to the Palestinian uprising, but denies any link to violence and refuses to recognise the authority of the court.

Mr Barghouti reiterated his claim that Israel, as an occupying power, had no right under international law to try a Palestinian.

He also used Mr Sharon's words to justify his actions as a leader of the uprising.

Prosecutors have argued that he served as a channel between Yasser Arafat and a violent militia linked to Fatah, and that he played a role in attacks that killed 26 Israelis after fighting began in September 2000.

As the West Bank Fatah leader, Mr Barghouti delivered fiery speeches urging Palestinians to drive Israel out of the West Bank and Gaza.

But he says he supports peace with Israel, with a Palestinian state alongside it.

Addressing the court, Mr Barghouti also talked of recent efforts to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, and referred to the planned summit on Wednesday involving leaders of both sides and President Bush.

Resistance legitimate

At that meeting in Jordan, both sides are expected to endorse each other's right to statehood and security.

"Sharon is going to recognise a Palestinian state in two days," Mr Barghouti said.

"So what did I do? It is legitimate to resist."

The court gave Mr Barghouti until 14 July to decide if he wants to take the stand himself or conduct a defence before the trial goes to its verdict stage.

The top Palestinian official in east Jerusalem, Sari Nusseibeh, was allowed to hug and kiss Mr Barghouti at the end of the court session.

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Mr Nusseibeh said he told Mr Barghouti to keep his spirits up.

He said that during any future peace settlement, leaders like Mr Barghouti would be needed.

Last month, the same court sentenced a militia leader alleged to have ties with Mr Barghouti to 14 life terms plus 50 years, for orchestrating shooting and bombing attacks that killed 14 people.