RAMALLAH, Thursday, November 12, 2020 (WAFA) – Foreign Minister Riyad Malki called today on the international community to assume its responsibilities and to take immediate action to address the financial crisis of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Malki's comments came during his meeting with UNRWA's Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini at the ministry's headquarters in Ramallah.

The foreign minister reaffirmed Palestine's position in support of UNRWA's efforts, stressing the importance to preserve the role of the UN agency against the attempts meant to undermine its work and mandate.

He also highlighted the importance of joint and permanent coordination in order to protect the rights of refugees and to preserve the services provided to refugees by UNRWA, calling for urgent and immediate financial support for its budget.

The top Palestinian diplomat stressed the need for all countries to fulfill their obligations, including their financial commitments to the budget of UNRWA in order to be able to provide its services to Palestinian refugees.

A.D./M.K.