Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Only way to solve conflict is independent Palestinian state, says top Saudi diplomat

 

“There is no way to resolve the conflict other than by ensuring the establishment of an independent Palestinian state,” Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan told Saudi state TV network Al Ekhbariya.

“People have begun to lose hope in the two-state solution,” Farhan said, adding that the plan “must return to the forefront.”

Farhan’s remarks were made at the sidelines of a United Nations General Assembly event dubbed the “Peace Day Effort,” in which nearly 30 foreign ministers from countries in Europe and the Middle East met Monday to unveil a new initiative aimed at reviving the long-dormant Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

Driven by the European Union, Saudi Arabia, the Arab League, Egypt and Jordan, the sides agreed at the event to produce a “Peace Supporting Package” in the coming months that will maximize dividends for Israelis and Palestinians, once they reach a peace agreement. READ MORE