President Mahmoud Abbas said any talks or plans will be only crowned with success if they are based on international legitimacy resolutions and lead to establishing an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In his remarks, during the Arab League-European Union Summit in Sharm El Sheikh, he stressed that attempts of the US administration and Israeli government to normalize relations with Arab and Islamic states will not bring peace and security to Israel.
”The only way to bring about peace is the implementation of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative” Abbas said.
Abbas added that he hopes the EU states will help his country organize parliamentary elections in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip and recognize the Palestinian people’s right of self-determination.
President Abbas urged the European Union to take practical steps to achieve peace, starting with putting an end to the Israeli settlement, backing a two-state solution with political and legal measures, recognizing the Palestinian state and getting full membership of the United Nations.
“Is it not time for the European countries that have not yet recognized the state of Palestine to do so?” Abbas asked, stressing that “not to recognize Palestinian right to self-determination is a step contrary to your values and European principles.
Abbas called for holding an international peace conference, to reach settlement for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Abbas has repeatedly said he will reject the long-promised Trump peace plan.
Abbas emphasized the fact that the Palestinian people will not disappear from existence and will remain steadfast in their land, build their state institutions, and continue their legitimate struggle for freedom and independence.
Kh.R
