VIENNA, Friday, May 10, 2019 (WAFA) – Member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Hanan Ashrawi, called yesterday upon Austria to recognize the State of Palestine and proactively defend the prospects of peace.

During a meeting with Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Karin Kneissl in Vienna, Ashrawi the latter on the current political developments as well as the economic and political Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and leadership.

The two also discussed the dangers posed by the irresponsible US-backed Israeli efforts to undermine international law and the two-state solution.

Ashrawi welcomed the position voiced by most EU members on the need to ensure respect for international law and the two-state formula in any peace effort or plan.

"We call on all responsible international actors that are committed to international law, justice and peace to join us in defending the international rules-based order and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to freedom, peace, security and prosperity," she stated.

Ashrawi also called on Austria and other members of the international community to take proactive steps to ensure accountability for Israeli violations, also calling on Austria to recognize Palestine.

She concluded, "Recognizing the state of Palestine would be a positive and powerful step that protects the prospects of peace and reflects commitment to the universality of human rights, the standing of international law, and the Palestinian people‘s right to self-determination."

M.N