‘Systematic Israeli policy to ‘kill’ two-state solution requires intensified Arab action’

AMMAN — Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Tuesday participated in a coordination meeting of the Arab League council at the ministerial level that mainly addressed the Palestinian issue and the recent attacks on Saudi oil facilities.

The coordination meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings in New York, also went over preparations for the first conference to establish a region free of nuclear and mass destruction weapons, which Jordan is scheduled to host in November, according to a ministry statement. 

Safadi, during the Arab meeting, stressed the importance of translating the Arab consensus on the centrality of the Palestinian cause into a coordination action to combat all Israeli procedures that perpetuate occupation and undermine opportunities for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. 

The minister reiterated that the systematic Israeli policy to “kill” the two-state solution — through expansion in building settlements, confiscating lands and attempts to alter the Islamic and Christian Arab identity — requires an intensified and coordinated Arab action to counter such procedures and reach an international stance against them. 

He also urged Arab countries to support UNRWA in a way that guarantees its renewal, an issue that will be decided through a vote late this year, and covers its financial deficit that reaches some $120 million.

An Arab stance and action that can save the agency from its financial crisis are a necessity not only to sustain UNRWA’s duties towards refugees, but also a message from Arab countries that they will not allow dissolving the agency, which will consequently result in dissolving the refugees issue, Safadi emphasised. 

In this regard, the minister highlighted the significance of the conference that Jordan and Sweden are set to hold on Thursday in stressing the need for the international community to support UNRWA and cover its financial needs.

Meanwhile, he reiterated the Kingdom’s stance that condemns the terrorist attack on Saudi Arabia’s Aramco oil facilities and expressed Amman’s full solidarity and support with Riyadh in steps aimed at ensuring its security and stability.

As for the first conference to establish a region free of nuclear and mass destruction weapons, Safadi highlighted its importance in making the region free of such weapons and in reaching mechanisms to realise such a purpose, calling on all countries to take part in the Jordan-hosted event.