Sereni to the Arab League delegation: working together to prevent the prospect of Israeli annexation

“We will work together to prevent annexation and unilateral steps.” So said the Vice Minister Marina Sereni during the meeting held today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a delegation of eight Arab League Ambassadors, who presented Resolution 8522 with which the League in recent weeks has condemned the prospect of annexation of portions of the West Bank and Jordan Valley, announced by the Israeli Government.
“We share your concerns about the West Bank. Italy remains convinced that only a two-State solution, just and sustainable, negotiated between the parties in good faith and in accordance with international law, remains the only one capable of ensuring peace and prosperity throughout the Middle East. If implemented – continues the Deputy Minister – the Israeli perspective would seriously jeopardize any possibility of resuming dialogue with the Palestinians and would compromise the feasibility of the two-state perspective, thus undermining the stability of the region. It is for this reason that Italy, together with the partners of the European Union, has asked the State of Israel not to take unilateral steps and to refrain from annexations that would be illegal from the point of view of international law. The international community – added the Deputy Minister – must continue to work to reduce tensions and relaunch the Peace Process, facilitating the resumption of direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. Both can count on Italy to achieve this result”.
Finally, in response to a request from the Palestinian Ambassador, Sereni clarified that “we are not against the prospect of the recognition of a State of Palestine, however, the Italian position remains anchored to the principle that it must contribute to the final solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Therefore – concluded the Deputy Minister – we want to continue to talk with all parties to explore the possibility of a resumption of direct talks”.
The Delegation, representing the 22 countries of the Arab League, was composed of Ahmed Salim Baomar, Ambassador of Oman and Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps in Italy; Fayiz Khouri, Ambassador of Jordan; Hisham Badr, Ambassador of Egypt; Mira Daher, Ambassador of Lebanon; Omar Abdussalam Al-Tarhuni, Ambassador of Libya; Abeer Odeh, Ambassador of Palestine; Safia Al Souhail, Ambassador of Iraq; Ambassador EnasMekkawy, Head of Mission of the League of Arab States.