Abbas to Biden: It’s time to have freedom, end Israeli occupation of Palestine

Admin l Friday, July 15, 2022

 

BETHELEHEM – President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine has appealed for an end to Israeli occupation  of Palestine so that Palestinians can have freedom and live in peace.

Abbas made the remarks during a meeting with President of the United States, Mr. Joe Biden in Bethlehem.

He empahasised the need for a two state solution to the Palestinian crisis based on 1967 agreement that recognized East Jerusalem as capital of Palestine.

Mahmoud Abbas called on Biden to reopen its consulate closed long ago in East Jerusalem. He called on the United States to delist Palestine from the list of terrorists, stressing that Palestinians are not terrorists and that the state will continue to fight terrorists within and in the global community.

He also emphasized the readiness of Palestine to open the PLO office in Washington.

Replying to the request, President Joe Biden  said his commitment to two state solution to the Palestinian crisis has not changed and that Palestine and Israel deserve to live in peace and security, adding that they deserve their freedom and dignity.

While restating his readiness to bring about the peace process, he said there must be an end to the violence that has devastated  families, for too long, which has led to loss of lives including that of a US citizen, Shireen Abu Akleh.

He described Shireen as an American and Palestinian  who was doing her job, hoping that her legacy will inspire more people to carry out her transparent work which has brought to public issues often overlooked by many.

“We must be free to practice our faith in peace and indignity”, he said and that things can be better.

He announced financial contribution in support of  Palestinian health services. “Now is the time to strengthen Palestinian institutions for strong government”, adding that  the US will work with Palestine to ensure full accounting for the death of Shireen Abu Akleh.