OIC Says Committed to Palestinian State According to 1967 Borders

Arab World

June 10th, 5:39pm

Asharq Al-Awsat

This picture taken on August 6, 2019 shows the the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim in the occupied West Bank on the outskirts of Jerusalem. (AFP)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation reiterated on Wednesday its commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state according to the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital. Saudi Arabia chaired the extraordinary OIC foreign ministers meeting, which was held as Israel’s new unity government next month intends to begin discussing extending sovereignty to its settlements in occupied land that Palestinians claim for an envisaged independent state. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan stressed during the virtual meeting the need for implementing international resolutions on Palestine. The Kingdom condemns Israel’s intention to annex parts of the West Bank, he declared. Prince Faisal said Israel’s declaration that it plans to annex Palestinian territories was a blatant violation of international resolutions and a dangerous escalation that threatens the chances to resume the peace process. He called for reaching a fair and comprehensive solution that meets the aspirations of the Palestinian people. OIC Secretary General Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen urged the international community to take action and condemn Israel’s aggressive acts. The Palestinian cause remains a priority for the OIC, he stated, while condemning Israel’s unilateral measures as a violation of United Nations Security Council 2334. “We warn of the dangerous repercussions Israel’s actions will have on regional stability,” he continued. The OIC completely supports the Palestinian people’s right to establish their own state. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki declared that the Israeli government was escalating its crimes against the people, accusing it of persisting in its settlement policy in order to alter demographics. He reiterated his commitment to the implementation of the 2002 Arab peace initiative. Israel’s annexation plans have been met with an international chorus of condemnation. They have been criticized by Arab and European powers as likely to finish off long-moribund efforts to make peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Israel says annexation would be in keeping with a unilateral plan announced by US President Donald Trump in January.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2327666/oic-says-committed-palestinian-state-according-1967-borders