President discusses political developments and strengthening bilateral relations with Prime Minister of Norway

SadaNews - President Mahmoud Abbas discussed with the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, in the Norwegian capital Oslo, on Wednesday, the developments and political updates in Palestine, and strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

The president appreciated Norway's supportive positions towards the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, which culminated in Norway's recognition of the State of Palestine on May 28, 2024.

The president thanked Norway, its king, government, and people for their continuous political and economic support for the State of Palestine, especially humanitarian and developmental aid.

President Abbas and the Prime Minister of Norway discussed the latest developments regarding the Palestinian cause, as well as a number of regional and international issues of common interest, and ways to strengthen the historical relationships and the bonds of friendship existing between the two countries and their peoples.

The president reviewed the efforts made to solidify the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, stressing the need to move to implement the second phase of former U.S. President Donald Trump's plan, affirming the unity of Palestinian territory and rejecting any plans to separate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, as well as the complete Israeli withdrawal from the Strip, and enabling the Palestinian government to perform its duties across all Palestinian territories according to the principle of one legitimate authority, one law, and one legitimate weapon.

The president informed the Prime Minister of Norway about the Israeli violations occurring in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, and the serious recent occupation decisions aimed at deepening the annexation in the West Bank, expanding settlement, and undermining holy sites, emphasizing the necessity to confront and stop these actions and adhere to international law.

He stressed that these measures constitute a blatant violation of international law and international legitimacy resolutions, aiming to undermine the institutions of the Palestinian state and the two-state solution, and entrench the occupation through attempts to legitimize settlements and plunder lands, in violation of international law and the Geneva Conventions.

The president called for urgent and effective European and international action to stop the annexation and settlement expansion measures, and to hold the Israeli government accountable for its ongoing violations, in order to preserve the credibility of the international system based on respect for the law and the United Nations Charter.

The president urged Norway, the European Union, the United States, and all international partners to pressure Israel to stop the financial war and halt the illegal deductions from Palestinian tax revenues, which limits the government's ability to fulfill its obligations towards the Palestinian people, in addition to the necessity of releasing all withheld funds.

The president informed the Prime Minister of Norway about the comprehensive national reform program being implemented by the Palestinian government to develop and update the legal and institutional system of the State of Palestine, entrench the rule of law, and enhance principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability, ensuring the separation of powers, affirming the holding of municipal elections in April, a Fatah general conference in May, and the Palestinian National Council elections in the coming November.

The meeting was attended by: member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization Ziad Abu Amr, the president's advisor for diplomatic affairs Majdi Al-Khalidi, and the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Norway, Marie Antoinette Seiden.