LOC10:46
07:46 GMT
-The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates
RAMALLAH, July 25 (KUNA) -- The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomed Friday French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement to recognize the State of Palestine, calling it a reflection to the country's commitment to international law.
In a statement, the ministry expressed its gratitude and appreciation to Macron for this historic move, urging other countries to follow suit.
It also called on the international community to actively participate in the upcoming UN conference in New York and to take practical steps to safeguard the two-state solution and revive the prospects for peace.
The statement described France's announcement as a victory for President Abbas' diplomacy and collective Arab and international efforts, particularly those led by Saudi Arabia, to secure broader recognition of Palestine.
Meanwhile, Palestinian Vice President and Executive Committee Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Hussein Al-Sheikh said in a statement that Macron's announcement reaffirms France's commitment to international law and support the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and an independent state.
Al-Sheikh expressed his gratitude to Macron for his recent letter to President Mahmoud Abbas, in which he reiterated France's longstanding position and intention to formally recognize the State of Palestine in September, and thanked Saudi Arabia for its role in coordinating with France on the move. (end)
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