Statement by Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

- The only way to achieve lasting peace between Israel and Palestine is through a negotiated two-state solution, said Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide. 

On Tuesday 28 January, the US presented its proposal for a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

- Any initiative to re-activate the peace process must reflect internationally agreed parameters as defined in the Oslo accords and UN Security Council resolutions. The outstanding final status issues, including borders, security, the status of Jerusalem, and the refugee question, must be resolved through direct negotiations between both parties. This framework will continue to be the basis for Norway’s chairmanship of the donor group for Palestine (AHLC), said the Foreign Minister. 

- In order to be sustainable, a two-state solution must be in accordance with international law. I warn against taking unilateral steps. Any annexation of territory by force is unacceptable and in contravention of international law, said Foreign Minister Eriksen Søreide.