Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Riyad al-Malki discussed with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian the Israeli plans to further annex parts of the occupied Palestinian territories.
Speaking with Le Drian over the phone, al-Malki touched upon the latest developments on the current coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, bilateral relations, the seriousness of the Israeli annexation policy and opportunities to revive the stalled peace process.
Al-Malki briefed his French counterpart about the Palestinian efforts and measures to tackle the virus spread along with associated challenges, specifically the Israeli restrictions placed on Palestinian government’s efforts to carry out its duties, the policy of deliberate neglect pursued by Israel towards the situation of Palestinians in Jerusalem.
He also voiced his grave concerns about the conditions of Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails, and the irresponsible Israeli behavior towards Palestinian workers, especially those who are infected with the novel coronavirus.
He also lamented the financial crisis ing the Palestinian government’s ability to exercise its functions effectively, with particular focus on Israel’s ongoing deduction of part of the tax revenues it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, the government’s inability to pay public servants’ salaries and to fulfill other obligations.
Discussing the constraints facing the government in tackling the spread of COVID-19, al-Malki pointed out to Palestine’s need for testing strips, examination kits, and respirators in addition to the financial support required to cover the emergency needs.
The Palestinian diplomat also touched upon Israel’s plans to apply sovereignty over, or in other words to annex, the Jordan Valley and the illegal colonial settlements in the occupied West Bank.
He warned that such a move would have grave consequences not only in the occupied Palestinian territories, but also in the whole region, and called on his French counterpart to urge his country and other EU countries to immediately take a clear and decisive position as well as from the UN Security Council to take action on this move, that violates international law and all UN resolutions and completely undermines what remains of prospects opportunity to revive the stalled peace process.
The French diplomat reaffirmed his understanding of the Palestinian position, and pointed out that his ministry will issue a strong statement on this issue, and will work to follow it up with all parties.
Le Drian praised President Mahmoud Abbas’ vision on the peace process as presented in his last speech before the Security Council earlier this year, and highlighted the need to develop it to an integrated Palestinian plan that would be the basis for any future talks.
He announced that the French Agency for Development (AFD) would provide 3 million euros in emergency assistance to the Palestinian Health Ministry for purchasing medical equipment and covering associated needs.
He emphasized an increase in France’s financial aid for NGOs providing support to the Palestinian people, and continuing support for the Palestinian government’s budget, and noted that he has instructed his country to pay its share allocated to the Palestinian government budget as quickly as possible as part of the emergency assistance.
