Eu Day Light

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said it rejects the US administration’s decision to extend entry visa restrictions on officials of the Palestinian National Authority and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

In a statement, the ministry said the decision is inconsistent with efforts to rebuild trust, develop Palestinian-US relations and create the political environment necessary for peace and stability in the region.

The statement said the PLO, described as the representative of the Palestinian people, and the Palestinian National Authority remain committed to peace, decisions based on international legitimacy, a two-state solution based on the June 1967 borders, and coexistence with Israel in security and peace. It added that the Palestinian side rejects violence and terrorism and remains committed to international law and international legitimacy in resolving disputes.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates rejected the claim that Palestine’s recourse to the United Nations, the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court constitutes an action that undermines peace.

The statement argued that recourse to international institutions and international law is a legitimate right of Palestine and a peaceful and legal means of protecting the rights of the Palestinian people. It said occupation, settlement activity, annexation, displacement and settler violence, by contrast, pose a threat to the two-state solution and prospects for peace.

The ministry also said that international recognition of the State of Palestine is not an alternative to negotiations, but rather means recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and to establish an independent state.

The statement said the US administration is overlooking reforms carried out by the State of Palestine and noted that the National Reform Program is being implemented in the financial, administrative, educational and legal fields through transparent and verifiable mechanisms.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates called on the US administration to assess reforms on the basis of facts and professional reports rather than political claims.

The ministry argued that punitive measures and restrictions against Palestinian officials do not contribute to strengthening peace or preventing violence, but instead weaken Palestinian actors committed to a political solution.

The State of Palestine said restrictions that would prevent its delegation from fully participating in United Nations meetings would amount to interference with Palestine’s rights and the role of the UN.

The statement said access should be guaranteed for all members of the official Palestinian delegation accredited to participate in UN meetings.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates called on the US administration to reconsider its decision, end its policy of sanctions and restrictions, and launch a direct Palestinian-US dialogue to address disputed issues.

The statement also called for support for implementing the New York Declaration, relevant UN resolutions and the peace plan. It said this would contribute to ending the occupation and establishing an independent and sovereign State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital.

It was also stated that the State of Palestine would continue to uphold its national and international obligations, pursue its reform program and defend the rights of the Palestinian people through political, diplomatic, legal and peaceful means.