Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh called today on the United Kingdom to recognize the State of Palestine, support its full membership in the United Nations, and provide aid to Palestinian institutions.
Shtayyeh made the remarks during his meeting in Ramallah with the British Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly.
He pointed out that in light of the deteriorating situation on the ground and the demographic factor, “tomorrow will be too late if action is not taken today.”
“The United Kingdom bears a moral and historical responsibility towards the Palestinian people,” said Shtayyeh. “It must be a positive player in realizing the rights of the Palestinian people and finding a political solution that meets their aspirations.”
The Prime Minister explained that, in light of this deteriorating situation on the ground, the two-state solution is fading and being violated on a daily and systematic basis, and it will become difficult to implement it.
He called on the United Kingdom to protect the two-state solution by engaging seriously and at the highest levels in the political process alongside the United States and the international community to create a political horizon with the aim of ending the occupation and establishing the Palestinian state.
Shtayyeh added that Israel and Palestine should not be dealt with on an equal footing, adding that there is an occupying state, and a state and a people under occupation.
“We call for a reconsideration of British policies and for its discourse to be consistent with its belief in the two-state solution and international law,” the Prime Minister stressed.
Shtayyeh reviewed developments in the internal situation and moving forward with the reforms at all levels, which will contribute to strengthening the steadfastness of the Palestinian people and providing them with the best services.
He called on the United Kingdom to urge Israel to abide by the signed agreements, allow elections to be held in all Palestinian territories, including Jerusalem, and put pressure on Israel to release all the withheld bodies of the Palestinians killed by its forces.
The Prime Minister also called for taking measures to implement UN Security Council resolutions, especially Resolution 2334, supported by Britain, and ordered the cessation of all Israeli settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.
For his part, Cleverly affirmed his country’s belief and commitment to the two-state solution and continued support for building Palestinian institutions.
Source: WAFA
