RAMALLAH, Wednesday, March 20, 2019 (WAFA) – “The State of Palestine unequivocally rejects the inauguration of the so-called Hungarian trade office with Israel, the Occupying Power, in the Holy City of Jerusalem, said a statement by the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates today.

“This is a blatant violation of Hungary‘s obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 252, 267, 298, 477 and 478. Further, this Hungarian action violates the UN Charter, peremptory norms of international law, and all relevant Conventions, that Hungary has a duty to uphold,” it said.

The statement added: “The State of Palestine also considers the opening of this diplomatic office as a departure from established European Union policy requiring clarification from Brussels. Any unilateral decision to open diplomatic offices to Israel in the Holy City of Jerusalem undermines the prospects of peace and violates Palestine‘s right to sovereignty in Jerusalem.

“In this regard, we remind the Hungarian government of its clear and standing legal and political obligations, under international law, including in its diplomatic and economic relations. It must ensure that these relations do not violate international law, including international criminal law. Hungary is also obliged to ensure that its extra-territorial activities, including those related to commerce, do not contribute to the violation of human rights of another population, particularly protected persons as defined in the Fourth Geneva Convention.

“In response to this illegal unilateral act, the State of Palestine will recall its Ambassador to Budapest for consultations and will initiate dialogue at the highest levels in Brussels to clarify the European Union‘s position regarding this objectionable act. Finally, the State of Palestine reiterates its resolve to pursue Palestinian national interests and rights vigorously and unapologetically through all available diplomatic and legal channels.”

M.K.