Intifada leader urges campaign against Israeli occupation

In a statement published by a group lobbying for his release, Barghuti called for "the launching of the most vast popular campaign possible against the wall, settlements, the judaization of Jerusalem, and roadblocks."

The "inevitable" end of the "most abominable and the longest in modern history" occupation that began 40 years ago was "the only option to open the way to peace in the Middle East," he said.

"Any project, accord or initiative that does not guarantee the end of the occupation and settlements and does not give our poeple a real chance to establish an independent and sovereign state with Jerusalem as its capital, will be in vain."

Barghuti is the charismatic West Bank leader of president Mahmud Abbas's Fatah party and was a key player during the early days of the second intifada that erupted in September 2000.

He was arrested by Israel in April 2002 and convicted in May 2004 on five counts of murder and one of attempted murder resulting from three suicide attacks and one failed attack. He is currently serving five life sentences.

His incarceration has not diminished his appeal on the Palestinian street. In January 2006, he was re-elected to the Palestinian parliament and he is widely seen as a possible successor to Abbas.

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