LOC18:18
15:18 GMT
RAMALLAH, April 12 (KUNA) -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Riyad al-Malki confirmed Saturday that Palestine has joined the four Geneva Conventions and their additional protocol.
"The four Geneva Conventions were applicable to the occupied Palestinian territory under international law and UN Security Council's resolutions, including the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice," Al-Malki said in a press release carried by the official news agency (WAFA).
"As for now, the conventions would under the law remain to be applicable to the State of Palestine, especially that Palestine became a high contracting party to the provisions of these accords which entered into force immediately."
He argued that "Palestine is completely under occupation activates articles two and three in all conventions."
The Swiss Federal Council announced Friday that Palestinian has formally joined the Geneva Conventions. Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas has applied for join 15 international organizations and conventions after peace process stalemate.
President Abbas said he had received a letter from the Swiss president confirming the registration of Palestine as a party of the Geneva Conventions.
Accepting Palestine to these conventions "is one of the most important tools that we would utilize to achieve the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people," the Palestinian top diplomat said.
In response to the move Israeli government has decided to stop transfer of Palestinian funds to the PA.
"This constitutes a continuation of the Israeli policy of arrogance and intransigence" Al-Malki said.
He went on the move is based on Israel's sense that it is "a state above international law that enjoys impunity."
The Palestinian Authority has submitted requests to the United Nations to join 13 other international conventions and treaties, and a move considered legal by the world body.
The treaties include the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, the convention on the rights of the child, the convention against torture and an anti-corruption accord. (end)
nq.ibi