First meeting of new Palestinian parliament – Swiss DFA press release/Non-UN document

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has noted that the first meeting of the new Palestinian parliament in which Hamas has a majority has taken place. Switzerland wishes once again to stress its expectation that the future Palestinian cabinet will pursue policies that respect the law and fulfil all the commitments made in the Oslo Accords. It calls on all parties to exercise restraint and to engage in dialogue.

The DFA has noted that the first meeting of the new Palestinian parliament has taken place and that Hamas has a majority in the parliament. The Department welcomes the speech by the President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmud Abbas and the determination he expressed to fulfil his international obligations and to seek a peaceful solution to the Middle East conflict. The DFA has also noted the appointment of Ismail Haniyeh as the new Palestinian prime minister. It is expected that the new Palestinian cabinet will be formed in the coming weeks.

The DFA will measure the incoming government by its deeds and it again stresses its expectation that the new government will pursue policies that respect the law and take account of the interests of the entire Palestinian population. Switzerland is willing to work together with a government whose action is based on dialogue and on peaceful methods. The DFA points out that the Palestinian Authority is bound by the commitments made in the Oslo Accords, particularly recognition of Israel's right to exist of and of the two-state solution.

In this context the DFA expresses its concern about restrictive measures by the Israeli government, which could lead to a further deterioration of the economic and social situation of the civilian population. The DFA calls on all parties to exercise restraint. Only a renunciation of violence, a willingness to engage in dialogue and full compliance with international humanitarian law can bring about progress in the search for a just and lasting solution of the conflict. 

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs