RAMALLAH, May 21, 2015 (WAFA) – Chief
Palestinian Negotiator Saeb Erekat Wednesday said it was clear that the
government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is heading towards more
racism and extremism with regards to the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Erekat’s statement came following a
meeting with the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and
Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, in Ramallah on Wednesday.
“It is clear through Netanyahu's
actions, comments, and remarks that Israel has paved a new wave of racist and
extremist policies and is not a partner for peace,' said Erekat.
Netanyahu informed Mogherinib of his
support to a two state solution for two people, despite his last-minute
rejection of the creation of a Palestinian state in an appeal to the right
during the most recent election campaign as well as the ongoing approval of new
illegal settlements and outposts.
“The new Israeli cabinet has shown its
commitment to consolidate an Apartheid regime in occupied Palestine as well as
to continue its incitement campaign against Palestinians, sending the message
that Palestinian lives, history and culture don't matter.”
Mogherini's visit came on the heels of
Israel's announcement of further settlement construction in Beit Sahour through
the construction of 90 units for the benefit of Har Homa illegal settlement as
well as settlement activities in and around Occupied East Jerusalem, including
the Ramat Shlomo settlement.
The move was in direct contravention of
international law and Israel's obligations under previous agreements, as well
as an obstacle ahead of the international community's commitment to facilitate
peace.
A statement by the PLO’s Negotiations
Affairs Department said Netanyahu brazenly expressed his disregard for the
international community's peace efforts by openly presenting Israel's duplicity
in the face of peace.
“While Netanyahu made his extremist,
right-wing government's position clear they have no desire for peace with the
Palestinian people, the international community has become increasingly vague
in regard to its position on the new Israel,” the statement said.
Erakat added, 'The international
community has allowed Israel to stall the prospects of a just and lasting peace
for too long and has a responsibility to face Netanyahu's hypocrisy head on,
and not at the expense of the Palestinian people.
“We call on the international community
to do nothing more than demand Israel fulfill its obligations under
international law.'
Mogherini’s visit to Israel and
Palestine was an attempt to prompt adherence to the two-State Solution and to ask
both sides to fulfill their commitments to previous rounds of negotiations and
agreements, including halting Israeli settlement expansion.
M.N/M.H
