A joint statement by Islamic and Arab countries and organizations condemning the statements of the American ambassador
ABU DHABI, 22nd February, 2017 (WAM) – The Foreign Ministries of the United Arab Emirates, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Turkey, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar, the Syrian Arab Republic, the State of Palestine, the State of Kuwait, the Lebanese Republic, the Sultanate of Oman, and the secretariats of the Cooperation Council for the Arab Gulf States express, The League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation expressed their strong condemnation and deep concern over the statements issued by the United States Ambassador to Israel, in which he indicated acceptance of Israel’s exercise of control over lands belonging to Arab countries, including the occupied West Bank.
The ministries affirm their countries’ categorical rejection of such dangerous and provocative statements, which represent a blatant violation of the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, and constitute a grave threat to the security and stability of the region.
The ministries stress that these statements directly contradict the vision put forward by US President Donald Trump, as well as the comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza, which is based on containing the escalation and creating a political horizon for a comprehensive settlement that guarantees the Palestinian people the establishment of their independent state.
She stressed that this vision is based on promoting the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, and that any statements that seek to legitimize control over the lands of others undermine these goals, inflame tensions, and constitute incitement instead of contributing to peace.
The ministries reiterate that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory or over any other occupied Arab lands. It also expressed its complete rejection of any attempts to annex the West Bank or separate it from the Gaza Strip, its strong opposition to the expansion of settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, and its categorical rejection of any threat to the sovereignty of Arab countries.
The ministries warn that the continuation of Israel’s expansionist policies and illegal measures will only lead to igniting more violence and conflict in the region and undermine chances for peace, and called for an end to these inflammatory statements. It affirmed its countries’ firm commitment to the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, to establishing their independent state on the lines of June 4, 1967, and to ending the occupation of all occupied Arab territories.
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