Hanan Ashrawi, member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), met today with EU representative to Palestine, Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff, during which she discussed the role of the European Union in supporting upcoming elections in Palestine as well as ensuring that Israel does not interfere in or obstruct the elections.
“The EU and rest of the international community must respect the outcome of upcoming elections and support the elected representatives in carrying out their democratic duties and defending the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people,” Ashrawi told the EU official.
She also discussed ongoing illegal Israeli actions, namely the accelerated de facto annexation steps undertaken by the Israeli government by way of settlement expansion, home demolition, and land grab.
“Rather than welcoming third party announcements of Israeli suspension of de jure annexation, the European Union must call out Israel for the systemic de facto annexation of Palestinian land. This dangerous course must be confronted and halted before it finalizes the destruction of the two-state solution,” said Ashrawi.
On the issue of Arab normalization of relations with Israel, the PLO official called on the European Union to remain focused on the Palestinian issue, which is the core of the conflict.
“Normalization is not the real path to peace. It could lead to greater instability,” she said, adding, “The real path to peace runs through ending the injustice in Palestine. Hence, efforts must be redoubled to end the Israeli occupation and hold Israel accountable for its grave violations of international law.”
Ashrawi reminded the European Union representative, “We continue to call on EU members to recognize Palestine as a positive and proactive step that confirms their commitment to the two-state solution and support of Palestinian rights, as enshrined in international law.”
