President Mahmoud  Abbas in Brussels with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini. (WAFA photo/Thayer Ghanayem)

BRUSSELS, March 27, 2017 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas expressed hope in Brussels on Monday that Israel would not waste new opportunities opening up for a peaceful settlement based on the two-state solution.

Speaking at a press conference with European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, Abbas reiterated his readiness to make peace with Israel.

“Our meeting today was important to discuss the latest developments in international efforts to find the best way to reach a just and comprehensive peace between us and the Israelis in light of the intention of the US administration under President (Donald) Trump to work for peace,” said Abbas.

“There were many contacts and meetings, and we are continuing discussions for the success of the American and international efforts, and I have assured President Trump that we are ready for a peace deal,” he said.

“We are committed to a just, comprehensive and permanent peace with our Israeli neighbors based on international and United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative that would end the Israeli occupation of the territory of the State of Palestine occupied since 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital, which we want to keep as an open city for the followers of the three monotheistic religions,” said Abbas.

However, he added, “continuation of settlement activities and expropriation of Palestinian land will lead to the one-state situation with an apartheid system. Repression and occupation will not bring security and peace, which come only through justice, equality and good neighborly relations. We are ready for these things and we hope the government of Israel and the Israeli people will not waste this opportunity for peace.”

Mogherini, from her part, stressed that “peace between Israel and Palestine is a top priority for the European Union and it will remain a top priority in our political agenda.” She reiterated the EU’s position on the Middle East peace process and its commitment to the two-state solution.

“We remain committed to a negotiated two-state solution that remains for us the only viable way to end the conflict and all claims. Our EU policy on this has not changed. We recognize changes to the pre-1967 borders, including with regard to Jerusalem, only when agreed by the parties. Our position on Jerusalem as future capital of both states has not changed and we support Palestinian presence in East Jerusalem, both in political and financial terms,” said Mogherini.

She added: “I re-expressed to the President what I often express publicly, also recently, the strong European Union’s opposition to the Israeli settlement policy and demolitions of Palestinian-owned structures. The European Union considers settlements to be illegal under international law and this also has not changed in our policy.”

Abbas thanked Mogherini and the EU for their support for peace efforts between the Palestinians and Israel and for their support for Palestinian institution building, giving emphasis on the existing partnership between the EU and Palestine, which he expressed hope would develop into full partnership in the very near future.

M.K.