RAMALLAH, November 30, 2022 – President Mahmoud Abbas today called on the European Union and its member states not to engage with any Israeli government that does not recognize the two-state solution based on international legitimacy and signed agreements, and that fails to renounce violence and terrorism.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Ramallah with Latvian President Egils Levits, President Abbas urged the international community to link its relations with Israel to the extent of its commitment to these principles, to halt all unilateral measures, and to return the withheld Palestinian tax funds.

President Abbas warned of the grave consequences of international silence in the face of Israel’s actions that undermine the two-state solution, perpetuate racism, advance annexation and settlement expansion, and continue killings and desecrations of Islamic and Christian holy sites.

The President expressed his deep appreciation to Latvia for its support of the two-state solution and peace efforts based on international law, as well as for its backing of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and for providing educational opportunities to Palestinians in Latvian universities.

“I want to express my sincere thanks for Latvia’s steadfast positions in support of the two-state solution and peacemaking in our region based on international law,” said President Abbas. “We also appreciate Latvia’s contributions to UNRWA and its role in training Palestinian students at its universities.”

He described the visit as “an important opportunity to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between our two countries and peoples in all fields,” expressing hope for greater trade and investment exchange between Palestinian and Latvian business communities.

President Abbas also extended his appreciation to the European Union and its member states for their continued political support and for funding development projects in Palestine. He renewed his call on European countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to do so, as a means to protect the two-state solution and uphold the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

“We are confident that we will soon begin dialogue to elevate the level of the European-Palestinian Partnership Agreement,” he stated. “We reaffirm our commitment to building the institutions of our state based on the rule of law, empowering women and youth, fostering partnerships with civil society and the private sector, achieving national reconciliation, and holding general elections as soon as possible — including in East Jerusalem, as in previous times.”

President Abbas concluded by emphasizing that the Palestinian leadership currently has no peace partner in Israel that adheres to the principles of the two-state solution and the rejection of violence and terrorism.
“In this context,” he said, “we call on the European Union and its member states not to engage with any Israeli government that does not recognize these principles and values.”