Netherlands continues to support Palestinians
‘The Netherlands continues to support the Palestinian Authority on economic issues, water, security and the rule of law.’ This was the message conveyed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Uri Rosenthal to his opposite number Riyad Al-Malki during his visit to Ramallah.
Mr Rosenthal called on Mr Al-Malki to start direct talks with Israel without preconditions and to keep to the path set out by the Quartet in its statement of 23 September 2011, which envisages that negotiations will first address territory and security.
‘Both parties must do all they can to get around the table together,’ said Mr Rosenthal. ‘Both parties must refrain from any action that obstructs negotiations.’
Mr Al-Malki and Mr Rosenthal agree that a two-state solution is the only way to achieve peace.
Mr Rosenthal also met with Quartet Representative Tony Blair. Mr Blair thanked the Netherlands for bringing about an agreement that provides for the operation of a container scanner at the Allenby Bridge between Jordan and the West Bank.
Foreign Minister Rosenthal meets his colleague Al-Malki in Ramallah
