President Abbas Meets with the King of Norway and the Head of the Parliament

SadaNews - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met today, Wednesday, at the Royal Palace in the Norwegian capital Oslo, with King Harald V of Norway.

President Abbas expressed his appreciation, as well as that of the Palestinian people, for Norway's principled positions and support for the Palestinian cause, which culminated in its recognition of the State of Palestine on May 28, 2024, as well as its support for the state's budget and the humanitarian and developmental assistance it provides to the Palestinians.

The President discussed with the King of Norway ways to enhance the historical relations between the two countries in a manner that serves the interests of the two friendly peoples. They also discussed a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest.

He informed the King of Norway about the gravity of the situation in the Palestinian territories, especially the catastrophic humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing aggression, blockade, hunger, and Israeli measures aimed at undermining the institutions of the State of Palestine, and destroying the two-state solution opportunities.

Attending the meeting were: member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization Ziad Abu Amro, the President's advisor for diplomatic affairs Majdi Khalidi, and the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Norway, Marie Antoinette Sidin.

President Abbas also visited the Norwegian Parliament in Oslo and met with its President, Masoud Kharra Khan.

The President praised Norway's positions supporting the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, which culminated in its recognition of the State of Palestine on May 28, 2024.

He thanked Norway, its King, government, and people for their ongoing political and economic support for the State of Palestine, especially humanitarian and developmental assistance.

The President informed the Norwegian Parliament's President about the situation in Palestine, and the efforts being made to solidify a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, introduce humanitarian assistance, alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people, and prevent displacement and annexation, and to stop the escalating Israeli violations in the West Bank including Jerusalem, including settlement activities and threats to Islamic and Christian holy places.

The President updated the Parliament President on the Israeli violations occurring in the West Bank including Jerusalem, and the seriousness of the recent occupation decisions aimed at deepening annexation in the West Bank, expanding settlement activities, and undermining sacred places, emphasizing the need to confront and stop them and commit to international law.

President Abbas emphasized that these measures represent a blatant violation of international law and international legitimacy resolutions, aiming to undermine the institutions of the State of Palestine and the two-state solution, and entrench the occupation through attempts to legitimize settlement and plunder lands, in violation of international law and Geneva agreements.

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

He called on Norway, the European Union, the United States, and all international partners to pressure Israel to stop the financial war and cease the illegal deductions from Palestinian tax revenues, which limits the government’s ability to fulfill its obligations to the Palestinian people. He also emphasized the necessity of releasing all withheld funds.

President Abbas called on the Norwegian Parliament to continue its leading role in supporting human rights and holding the occupation accountable for its violations of international law, ensuring the establishment of the independent State of Palestine along the 1967 borders.

The President briefed the Parliament President on the comprehensive national reform program being implemented by the Palestinian government to develop and modernize the legal and institutional system of the State of Palestine, consolidate the rule of law, and enhance principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability, and ensure the separation of powers, stressing the holding of municipal elections in April, the Fatah general conference in May, and the Palestinian National Council elections in November.

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

President Abbas arrived yesterday evening, Tuesday, in the Norwegian capital Oslo, on an official two-day visit to strengthen the friendship and cooperation relations between the two countries and discuss the latest developments in Palestine and the region.