President Abbas Arrives in Norway on Official Visit

SadaNews - President Mahmoud Abbas arrived today, Tuesday, in the Norwegian capital Oslo, at the beginning of a two-day official visit, during which he will meet with the King of Norway, the Prime Minister of Norway, and the Speaker of Parliament.

The purpose of this visit is to strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries and peoples, and to discuss the latest developments in Palestine and the region.

Accompanying the president on his visit are Palestine Liberation Organization Executive Committee member Ziad Abu Amr, presidential diplomatic advisor Majdi Khalidi, and the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Norway, Marie Antoinette Sidin.

On the sidelines of the visit, President Abbas received today, Tuesday, at his residence in the Norwegian capital Oslo, the accredited Arab ambassadors to Norway.

The president briefed the ambassadors on the latest political and field developments, warning of the dangers posed by the recent decision issued by the Israeli "Cabinet," which represents a practical and gradual implementation of plans for annexation, forced displacement, and settlement expansion in the occupied Palestinian territories. His Excellency affirmed that these decisions are invalid and legally null, constituting a blatant violation of international law and relevant international legitimacy resolutions, particularly Security Council resolutions that reject settlement and affirm the illegitimacy of any actions aimed at changing the legal and historical status of the occupied Palestinian territories.

The president emphasized that these Israeli policies systematically undermine the foundations of the political process and destroy the chances of achieving a two-state solution, calling for urgent and effective Arab and international action to stop the annexation and settlement expansion measures and to hold the Israeli government accountable for its continuous violations, thereby preserving the credibility of the international system based on respect for law and the United Nations Charter.

The president also reviewed the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, in light of the ongoing aggression, siege, and starvation, and the unprecedented suffering of our people. He stressed the need to expedite the entry of humanitarian aid without obstacles, to completely stop the aggression, to prevent any plans for forced displacement, to halt settler terrorism in the West Bank including East Jerusalem, to release the withheld Palestinian customs revenues, and to stop Israeli measures aimed at undermining Palestinian state institutions.

He reaffirmed that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the State of Palestine, just like the West Bank including East Jerusalem, and that the unity of the land, people, and institutions is a red line that cannot be compromised. No part of our land will be allowed to be cut off or for illegal facts to be imposed upon it, affirming the necessity of complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the president expressed his deep appreciation to the sister Arab countries and their peoples for their steadfast positions in support of the rights of the Palestinian people, valuing their political and humanitarian efforts in various regional and international forums, and emphasizing the importance of continuing joint Arab coordination at this critical stage in defense of the legitimate national rights of our people.