Arab-EU meeting in Brussels to discuss Palestinian problem

An Arab ministerial delegation, grouping Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Abul Gheit and the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates, had an important meeting in Brussels with the EU foreign ministers and EU’s High representative for foreign affairs and security policy Federica Mogherini on the Palestinian problem.

In statements, Spokesman for the AL Secretary General Mahmoud Afifi said that the Palestinian problem was the only issue that was put forward by the Arab ministers for discussion during the meeting.

Speaking at the meeting, Abul Gheit stressed the grave repercussions of the US decision to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem in May 2018, commending EU stances in rejection of the US administration’s decision on this score, the spokesman said.

He also urged EU countries to play a more effective role in shoring up the political settlement between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, the spokesman added.

The Arab ministerial delegation called on EU countries to ratchet up pressure on the US administration to ensure that the peace plan it intends to put forward is in line with the legitimate international resolutions and international law, he said.

The delegation also urged countries that had not yet recognized the state of Palestine to take this important step, which in turn will enhance the chances of peace in the region, the spokesman said.

The ministers also discussed alternatives to resurrect the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks if the United States insists on abandoning its role as a “fair mediator” in the peace process between the Palestinians and Israelis, he stressed.

The spokesman said that the Arab ministers, during the meeting, underlined the key role played by UNRWA in serving millions of Palestinian refugees, stressing that the continuation of its work carries a political message that the Palestinian refugees’ file remains one of the most important final status issues. (MENA)