‘Norway welcomes the renewed pledge for cooperation based on the signed Israeli-Palestinian bilateral agreements. I hope this will pave the way for a new and more constructive phase in the relationship between the two parties,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide.
On 17 November, the Palestinian Authority (PA) announced that it would resume cooperation with Israel, including in the security and financial sectors.
During the past months, the Palestinian economy has deteriorated significantly. The lack of coordination has further exacerbated an already difficult financial situation. The resumption of cooperation in all areas is a matter of urgency, and it is vital that the clearance revenues are transferred to the PA without delay.
‘The impasse has now been broken, and this creates momentum that the Israelis and the Palestinians should capitalise on to resolve other outstanding issues, including in the financial area. We also urge the parties to resume final status negotiations, with a view to achieving a peaceful, two-state solution to the conflict. As Chair of the international donor group for Palestine, the Ad-Hoc Liaison Committee, and as an incoming elected member of the UN Security Council, Norway stands ready to support the parties in their efforts towards peace,’ Ms Eriksen Søreide said.
