Palestine PM Thanks Norway

01 Dec 2012

Norway was among the 138 countries who voted for the resolution to accept the Palestinians as an observer state in the UN General Assembly, 41 abstained and 9 voted against.

“I am delighted to see the overwhelming support the Palestinians have received for their application to become an observer state in the UN General Assembly,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. “I am very pleased that all the Nordic countries and a majority of EU countries voted for the resolution.

The vote on Thursday represents a milestone, and demonstrates the international community’s clear support for the Palestinian state-building project and a future Palestinian state. “The Palestinians presented a balanced and constructive resolution text that won broad support. They have made it clear that they fully support a peacefully negotiated solution to the conflict with Israel. “This increase in rights entails an increase in obligations for the Palestinians.

The resolution emphasises the importance of resuming negations between the parties. It is important that the parties start on this path as soon as possible. Only a negotiated solution between the parties will create lasting peace,” said Mr Eide.

In an interview with Norwegian state broadcaster NRK following the vote, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad thanked Norway for its many years of support. - Norway has always shown a strrong and warm support for our fight for freedom and dignity, Salam Fayyad said.

Source: http://www.nortrade.com/sectors/news/palestine-pm-thanks-norway/