Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council met representatives from the Ministry

The following message was presented to Mr. al-Abadsa:

• Norway has on several occasions stated that it respects the outcome of the democratic elections to the Palestinian Legislative Council.
• But we want to reiterate that the newly elected Palestinian Government must take steps to comply with the three demands put forward by the Quartet (UN, US, EU and Russia) to renounce violence, recognise the state of Israel and accept previously concluded agreements.
• These demands are all based on principles shared by the members of the international community. The demands reflect basic norms for relations between states and democratic governments. The use of terror can under no circumstances be defended or excused.
• Norway has made it clear that continued development cooperation with the new Palestinian Government is contingent on the Government takings step towards complying with the demands put forward by the Quartet.
• The international community has clearly stated that the door is open for cooperation and direct economic support to the Palestinian Government if it complies with the three demands.
• We realise that it takes time to change attitudes. But, the Palestinian Government must take clear steps in the right direction. So far Hamas has not lived up to our expectations in this respect.
• We are deeply concerned about the current situation in the West Bank and Gaza. There is a risk of serious economic decline, which would further worsen the Palestinians’ living conditions and cause great human suffering.
• We support President Abbas initiative to promote a national dialogue between Palestinian factions and his efforts to reach national consensus on the basis of the National Accord Document. We are deeply concerned about the increasing violence in the Palestinian territory.
• We also expect Israel to respect previously concluded agreements, key UN resolutions and the demands of the international community. Israel must stop annexing Palestinian land, cease illegal settlement and stop work on the separation wall, which is in violation of international law. These demands have also been put forward by the Quartet.
• We are deeply concerned about the recent rise in violence in Gaza and the West Bank, and regret that civilians continue to be killed and injured both in the Palestinian territory and in Israel. We urge both parties to exercise maximum restraint in the use of force and to refrain from actions that will put a resumption of Israeli-Palestinian talks in jeopardy.
• Israel must refrain from disproportionate military measures with indiscriminate humanitarian consequences. Furthermore, it is important that the ceasefire that Hamas has adhered to for a long time is re-established.