EU High Representative/Vice-President Borrell met with State of Palestine Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh – Press Release (Non-UN Document)

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Brussels, 27/10/2021 – 19:49, UNIQUE ID: 211027_12

High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, met with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh in Brussels on Wednesday.

High Representative Borrell stressed the EU’s continued support to the Palestinian people and to Palestinian state-building. He reiterated the EU’s continued commitment to a just, negotiated and comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the two-state solution, and the need to relaunch meaningful negotiations in order to revive the peace process as soon as possible.

The High Representative reiterated that the EU stands ready to work with the parties and with all international partners to this end, including through a revitalised Middle East Quartet.

High Representative Borrell and Prime Minister Shtayyeh also discussed the situation on the ground, including the EU’s concerns on continued settlement expansions, demolitions and evictions, as well as the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The High Representative also stressed the need for Palestinian factions to resume serious efforts towards intra-Palestinian reconciliation and set a new date for the postponed national elections.

The High Representative recalled the EU’s support to civil society organisations that contribute to peace efforts and confidence building between Israelis and Palestinians. He stressed that listing six Palestinian organisations as terrorist organisations by the Israeli Ministry of Defence is a matter of serious concern. The EU will very closely examine the allegations. Finally, he added that civil society organisations are a force in promoting international law, human rights, and democratic values, across the world and in Palestine.