LONDON — Britain's Foreign Secretary William Hague announced Monday U.K. want to upgrade the status of Palestinian representatives in London, ahead of talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Håg is scheduled to meet with Abbas in London Tuesday and said he would also increase its concern about the lack of progress on resuming negotiations on the peace process in the Middle East.
"It is still more crucial than ever that we press for a just and lasting solution to the isrælsk-Palestinian conflict. We want to see a quick return to negotiations, based on clear parameters, including the 1967 borders, "said Håg.
He told lawmakers that the Palestinian representation would be recognised as full diplomatic, rather to its former status as a delegation.
The change is largely symbolic and representatives do not have diplomatic immunity or other privileges and immunities to those working on behalf of the United Kingdom recognizes as independent Nations.
Members of the Palestinian mission has, however, a simplified visa regime.
"In view of the extent of our support for the Palestinian Authority and our work with them, we want to join the many other countries in upgrading the status of the Palestinian delegation to London for the level of mission" Håg said.
After the peace negotiations with Israel broke last year, the Palestinians have embarked on a campaign to win international recognition for a State in all the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem — Israel captured the territories in the 1967 war. So far 10 countries have met, all of them in Latin America.
In January, the Irish Government announced it would upgrade the Palestinian diplomatic status as an official Embassy. France and Spain have also made similar gestures.
Recognition of Palestinian State will not change the situation on the ground. Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005 but still controls the West Bank, where Palestinians have limited self rule in populated areas. The Palestinians hope widespread recognition would increase pressure on Israel.
Israel rejects the unilateral Palestinian approach, insisting that the only way to peace is through direct negotiations.
The British Foreign Ministry said it planned to inform other Nations, including Israel, of the amendment.
Isræls London Embassy welcomed the Hågs appeal for a quick return to negotiations, but said "convinced" the upgrade will not encourage the Palestinians to return to the table.
"Real upgrade is missing is in the Palestinian willingness to talk peace," said an Embassy spokesman.
In recent weeks have called isrælske leaders and Håg United States do more to restart peace talks.
Peace talks collapsed in September and the Palestinians argue discussions cannot resume text wrapping feature continued isrælsk settlement building in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
"We want to work with all parties to press for a decisive breakthrough in the year," told the Håg House.
___
Associated Press Writer Mohammed Daraghmeh in Ramallah, the West Bank has contributed to this report.
No comments:
Post a Comment