PRESS RELEASE – President Emmanuel Macron meets with Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority
MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from English to French – Published September 21, 2018
Section: International, development and francophonie
The President of the Republic met Friday with the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, a few days before their trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
This long interview made it possible to evoke the delicate situation in which the Palestinian Authority is located, whereas the year 2018 was punctuated with decisions which were so many blows against the two-state solution as it is approved by the agreements. of Oslo 25 years ago, and to discuss future milestones.
The President of the Republic reiterated the full commitment of France to resume the thread of dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis and confirmed to President Abbas the willingness of France to mobilize on the diplomatic field to change a situation that is no longer tenable.
President Macron reminded Mahmoud Abbas that there was no alternative to France other than that of the two states. International parameters as collectively defined must remain our compass.
Presidents Macron and Abbas spoke about Gaza and the need to do everything possible to improve the humanitarian situation. They also discussed the ongoing talks, under the auspices of Egypt, between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas for inter-Palestinian reconciliation. France supports these efforts and encourages President Abbas and Hamas to fully participate in them in order to allow the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza and the holding of elections in the coming months, an essential contribution to the establishment of a democratic Palestinian state.
The President of the Republic reiterated his attachment to the security of Israel and at the same time the condemnation by France of the policy of Israeli colonization, which has continued and accelerated in recent months. In this context, the two leaders discussed the emblematic situation of the Palestinian village of Khan al-Ahmar east of Jerusalem, threatened with demolition. France, in conjunction with its main European partners, has expressed itself vigorously to prevent its demolition and the forced evacuation of its inhabitants, which would constitute a very serious violation of international law. She solemnly calls on the Israeli authorities not to proceed with this demolition.
Other decisions that are dangerous for the security of all, including Israel, have jeopardized the United Nations system for providing relief to Palestinian refugees. Today, the UNRWA [United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East] 's ability to carry out its tasks is no longer guaranteed.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article is a translation. Please accept our apologies should the grammar and / or sentence structure not be perfect.