Ramallah (UNA-OIC) – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas discussed with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau the latest political development, international efforts exerted to achieve complete calm across the occupied Palestinian territories, and international aid for the Gaza reconstruction.
This came on Tuesday in a phone call, during which they also discussed the importance of returning to the Middle East political process.
Trudeau expressed Canada’s concerns and rejection of the ongoing expulsion of Palestinian residents from the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood and other neighborhoods in Jerusalem, and the importance of respecting religious sites. He also stressed his country’s position that is consistent with international law and rejects settlements.
The prime minister affirmed Canada’s keenness to establish peace in the region and to continue providing relief and assistance to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Refugees (UNRWA). He noted that Canada will dispatch its foreign minister to the region next week to confirm its commitment to achieving peace based on the principle of the two-state solution and establishing security and stability in the region.
For his part, President Abbas thanked the Canadian Prime Minister for his country’s position in line with international law, supporting the right of self-determination for the Palestinian people, rejecting settlement expansion in the Palestinian territories and the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem. He also thanked Canada for the humanitarian aid it provides to the Gaza Strip, the support provided to UNRWA, and its assistance in combating the coronavirus epidemic.
Abbas briefed the Canadian prime minister on the importance of achieving a comprehensive calm and returning to the political process to end the occupation and achieve an inclusive peace in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions under the auspices of the International Quartet. He underscored the need for Canada to play a role in peacemaking, given its good relations with all concerned parties.
President Abbas also reiterated Palestine’s commitment to consolidating democracy and the rule of law, noting that elections will be held as agreed as soon as Israel allows the holding of elections in the city of Jerusalem.
He stressed the importance of having a political horizon and giving hope to the Palestinian people, and for Canada to have a role in supporting relief and peace efforts, welcoming the upcoming visit of the Canadian Foreign Minister to Palestine.
The president further affirmed Palestine’s keenness to strengthen relations between the two friendly countries in the best interests of both peoples.
