Foreign Minister Støre calls for regional engagement in the Middle East

“The direct involvement of actors in the region is crucial if the many, interrelated conflicts in the Middle East are to be resolved. The Arab peace initiative proposed in 2002, which is being discussed in Riyadh today (28 March), is therefore of great significance,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The Foreign Minister stressed the importance of the strong, unifying regional engagement that we are now witnessing in the Middle East. “It was the support and engagement of the Arab countries that led to the formation of a Palestinian National Unity Government. And the Arab initiative of 2002 is an important point of reference in the new government’s platform,” said Mr Støre.

At the Arab League Summit today, the Palestinian National Unity Government was singled out as an important step towards stability in the whole Middle East. “The alternative to the Palestinian National Unity Government is Palestinian civil war. This would block any possibility of creating a Palestinian state, free of occupation, living side by side with Israel within secure and internationally recognised borders,” said Foreign Minister Støre.

“Words must now be followed by action, and the Palestinian National Unity Government must demonstrate a will to comply with the international demands. At the same time it must show that it is able to control the security situation in the Palestinian Territory, and do what it can to put a stop to the rocket attacks on Israel and secure the safe release of the captured Israeli soldier,” said the Foreign Minister.

“We continue to call on Israel to comply with Norwegian demands and expectations. I appeal to Israel to take a constructive approach towards the Palestinian National Unity Government. The withheld Palestinian revenues from taxes and fees must be released, and the Palestinians must be given more freedom of movement,” said Mr Støre.

In addition to participating in the Summit, Foreign Minister Støre had a number of bilateral talks with Arab and other leaders during his stay in Riyadh. Due to changes in the schedule, the statements of among others EU High Representative Solana, the African Union and Norway have been postponed until tomorrow. Foreign Minister Støre decided to return to Norway as originally planned, and his statement was distributed to the participants.