PRESS RELEASE
The OIC General Secretariat welcomes the position of the European Union regarding the importance of the Palestinian Legislative Elections
The General Secretariat of the OIC welcomes the stance of the European Union regarding the Middle East peace process, stated at the Declaration which was attached to the Presidency Conclusions of the European Council Meeting held in Brussels on 15-16 December 2005.
The General Secretariat of the OIC fully shares with the EU the importance of the elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council and commends its call upon Israel to co-operate fully with the Palestinian authority on these elections. The General Secretariat hopes that the election process will proceed under free and conducive conditions particularly in Jerusalem. It appeals to all the Palestinian factions to participate in the political process and cooperate with the Palestinian Authority for the successful completion of these elections.
The reaffirmation by the European Council of the EU`s commitment to the full implementation of the Quartet Roadmap has been noted with pleasure. The EU`s urging of the Israeli Government to cease all practices and measures in the Palestinian Territories, which are contrary to international law, including settlement building, the demolition of Palestinian homes and the construction of the separation wall, as well as the EU’s concern over the Israeli practices, particularly in and around East Jerusalem, have also been noted and welcomed by the General Secretariat.
The General Secretariat of the OIC reiterates that balanced, fair and effective approaches on the part of the international community are essential for genuine contributions to a just and lasting solution of the Middle East conflict.
Jeddah, 19 December 2005
Document Sources: European Union (EU), Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC)
Subject: Electoral issues, Peace process
Publication Date: 19/12/2005