Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh discussed today with his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Støre strengthening bilateral relations and the need to open up prospects for the political process.
During a meeting in Oslo, Shtayyeh thanked Norway for its historical role in finding a political solution to the Palestinian issue and promoting justice and peace.
He also appreciated Norway’s efforts to maintain the framework for the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) donors’ meeting as one of the few tools left from the Oslo Accords, and for periodically bringing together international parties to contribute to improving the situation in Palestine.
“The political process started from here under the auspices of Norway, and we hope that you will push towards protecting the two-state solution that is being systematically destroyed by Israel through its daily procedures,” Shtayyeh said.
“We welcome any measures to improve the daily life of our people, but any economic measures must be within a real political framework in order to be part of a comprehensive process aimed at ending the occupation,” he added.
He urged Norway to engage in reviving the political process through the International Quartet to fill the current political vacuum and give signs of hope to the Palestinian people who are frustrated by the political and economic situation.
“We must put pressure on Israel to abide by the signed agreements, as a way to open a serious political path that leads to ending the occupation, as well as allowing the holding of Palestinian elections, including Jerusalem,” Shtayyeh stressed.
Shtayyeh also touched on the financial crisis that the Palestinian National Authority is experiencing as a result of the gap between low revenues due to limited control over resources, borders and high expenditures due to the government’s commitment towards all the Palestinian people as well as the unjust Israeli deductions from tax revenues and the decline in international aid.
The Prime Minister briefed his Norwegian counterpart on reform efforts in order to reduce expenditures, raise revenues, improve the performance of institutions, enhance freedoms and push for judicial reform.
He also thanked Norway’s continued support for the Palestinian people, especially for its aid to UNRWA, which protects this UN agency that serves millions of Palestinian refugees.
For his part, the Norwegian Prime Minister stressed his country’s efforts to make the AHLC donors meeting a success.
He also highlighted Oslo’s position that backs the two-state solution and the establishment of peace in the region.
Source: Palestinian News & Info Agency