Bethlehem, 16 July 2022 (TDI): The President of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, met with his US counterpart, Joe Biden, and participated in a joint press conference.
The two leaders discussed the most recent political developments and bilateral relations. President Abbas emphasized that the key to regional peace and security is the recognition of the Palestinian state.
Palestinian state: A key to regional peace and security
The Palestinian President emphasized the necessity of ending the Nakba, forced displacement, and occupation.
The Palestinian President believes that the people of Palestine should attain their freedom and independence. They should achieve their creative potential in a bright future free from occupation.
In this regard, President Abbas emphasized that the only way to bring about peace and stability in the region is to recognize the State of Palestine. It should be possible for the people of Palestine to exercise their legal rights.
He noted that this should take place in compliance with international legitimacy agreements and resolve all problems relating to permanent status.
The problems include a resolution on the Israeli occupation of the territory of the State of Palestine, including East Jerusalem, and the Palestinian refugee issue.
In addition, he emphasized to President Biden the significance of reestablishing the peace process’s fundamentals. He stated that the two-state solution based on the 1967 boundaries and UN resolutions should serve as the foundation for peace negotiations.
President Abbas reiterated his demand that President Biden keep his word and reopen the US consulate in East Jerusalem. He also spoke with the US President about reopening the PLO office in Washington and removing the PLO from the US terrorist list.
Equally important, he also encouraged the US to assist in ending Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory, which is crucial. The Palestinian leader also urged the US to stop targeting Palestinians with racial prejudice.
He further demanded that the US avoid taking unilateral actions that threaten the “two-state solution.”
In this context, he brought up the tragic death of renowned Palestinian-American Al-Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. The Palestinian leader demanded that those responsible be held accountable.
The United States’ commitment to the “two-state solution”
President Biden emphasized that his dedication to the two-state solution has not changed. He said that the greatest way to attain an equal balance of security and prosperity was to implement the answer. As a result, both Israelis and Palestinians will experience freedom and democracy.
Furthermore, the US president also said that the Palestinian people deserved their own independent, sovereign, livable, and contiguous state.
He acknowledged that the two-state solution seemed so far off. He said that he could relate to the suffering and anguish of the Palestinian people.
The US President also spoke about his nation’s initiatives to better the standard of living for Palestinians. As a result, the Palestinians received more than $500 million in aid in 2021.
He declared that the US would provide UNRWA with an additional $200 million. The US official also commented on negotiations with Israel over stimulating Palestinian economic growth.
In light of this, he disclosed a plan to roll out 4G Internet infrastructure. This will be the case throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip by the end of next year.
The US President also wants to promote the freedom of movement for both people and products. This goes along with improving the availability of renewable energy.
Moreover, he expressed the expectation that the visit would mark the beginning of fresh, rekindled communication between the US, countries in the region, and the Palestinians.
