FM stresses need to relaunch Mideast talks at Munich meet

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi on Saturday participated in the fifth ministerial meeting within the framework of the Munich Group, along with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.

The meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, focused on continuing coordination and consultation to relaunch serious and effective negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli sides to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.

Meeting parties affirmed commitment to support efforts to achieve just, lasting and comprehensive peace that fulfills the legitimate rights of all parties, on the basis of the two-state solution, and in accordance with international law, relevant UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

In a statement affiliated with the meeting, concern about the increase in tension on the ground was expressed, highlighting the urgent need to resume serious, effective and direct negotiations between parties, or under the umbrella of the UN, including the Quartet on the Middle East.

Safadi stressed the importance of creating political and economic prospects, and the need for further confidence-building steps based on mutual commitments with the aim of improving the living conditions of the Palestinian people and resuming meaningful negotiations.

The statement stressed the need to stop all unilateral steps that undermine the two-state solution and prospects for just and lasting peace, especially the construction and expansion of settlements, seizing lands and the forced expulsion of Palestinians from their homes, including those in East Jerusalem.

It highlighted the necessity of ceasing violence and incitement, stressing that the rights of the residents of Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods to their homes should be respected.

It underlined the importance of preserving the historical and legal status quo in the holy sites in Jerusalem, and the vitality of the historical Hashemite Custodianship over them. 

The statement reiterated the essential role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and the need to continue providing financial and political support to enable it to continue implementing its tasks and providing vital services to Palestinian refugees in accordance with its UN mandate.

The contribution of all peace treaties between Arab countries and Israel was described as important to resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

The ministers agreed to continue working with all parties, stressing that achieving just and lasting peace is a strategic goal in the interest of all parties and a key to regional security and stability.