Norway supports Palestinians in the UN

Norway will support the Palestinians’ bid to upgrade their status to become a non-member observer state when the matter is discussed in the UN General Assembly in New York on 29 November. “In my view, the Palestinians have put forward a constructive and balanced proposal. The proposal confirms their commitment to negotiations and a two-state solution as the only lasting political solution to the conflict,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.      

On the basis of reports produced by the World Bank, the IMF and the UN, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for Assistance to the Palestinians (AHLC) announced as early as 2011 that the Palestinian institutions have achieved a level of performance that is above the threshold for a functioning state and that in this respect the Palestinian Authority does not lag behind established states.  

“As Chair of the AHLC, Norway has actively supported the development and protection of the Palestinian institutions. This has been important in our decision to support the Palestinians’ proposal in the UN,” said Mr Eide. 

For Norway it has been important to ensure that the resolution text does not exacerbate divisions or worsen the negotiating climate between the parties.

“The proposed resolution upholds all previous obligations, reaffirms a commitment to negotiations and makes clear that a Palestinian state will exist side by side with Israel in peace and security. In our view it is therefore important to vote in favour of the proposal to upgrade the Palestinians’ status in the UN,” said Mr Eide. 

“I hope that peace talks between the Palestinians and Israel will be resumed as quickly as possible. The international community must now support those seeking a political solution. A lasting solution to this protracted conflict can only be achieved through negotiations,” said Mr Eide.

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The press release in French.