RAMALLAH, Thursday, May 23, 2024 (WAFA) — President Mahmoud Abbas held today a telephone conversation with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, expressing his gratitude for Norway's principled and courageous stance in recognizing the State of Palestine.
President Abbas highlighted that this recognition continues Norway's longstanding support for international law and legitimacy, as well as the Palestinian people's right to freedom and independence.
President Abbas commended Norway's significant role in the 1993 Oslo peace negotiations and its ongoing coordination efforts through the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) to support the development of Palestine's state institutions and successive governments.
He emphasized that "Norway's recognition of Palestine is a remarkable step that will enhance efforts to achieve peace and justice, reinforcing the Palestinian right to self-determination and the implementation of a political solution based on international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative."
The President expressed his hope that other European countries would follow Norway, Spain, and Ireland in recognizing the State of Palestine and support Palestine's bid for full membership in the United Nations. Such actions, he argued, would foster hope and create favorable conditions for peace.
Moreover, President Abbas reiterated the urgent need to halt the ongoing Israeli aggression against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. He called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Gaza and the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid to avert a real famine threat due to the Israeli blockade of the border crossings with Gaza.
President Abbas extended a hand of cooperation to Norway and all global advocates of peace, emphasizing the importance of Arab, European, and international coordination.
He underscored the necessity of garnering international support for the upcoming donors' conference in Brussels on May 26, jointly chaired by Norway and the European Union.
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