Separately, U.S. Ambassador to UN Tours Middle East, Emphasizes U.S.-Israel Ties & Remarks on Refugees
November 18, 2021–Following a ministerial meeting of donors and interested parties supporting Palestinian governance, Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited “significant challenges” facing the Palestinian Authority, including budgetary problems, widespread unemployment, occupation, and an “enormous need” for investment.
“Comprehensive, far-reaching measures are needed to reverse the negative economic trend in Palestine and strengthen the Palestinian institutions that the donors have been helping to develop for nearly three decades,” said Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.
The meeting brought together the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, whose goal is to “develop an institutional and economic basis for a Palestinian state based on a negotiated two-state solution,” according to Norway’s press statement.
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A Glimmer of Hope
Although diplomacy for ending the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict “lacks a political horizon,” according to Norway’s foreign ministry, Hutifeldt suggested there are signs for hope.
“After two years of digital meetings, the Israelis and the Palestinians both expressed a strong desire to meet in person. The two parties have recently resumed dialogue at a high political level. This has created a new dynamic and hope for progress,” she said. “It is important to maintain the focus on good governance and respect for human rights. That is why I warned against actions that could reduce the space for civil society and political opposition.”
Focus on Sustainable Development
With budgetary and economic problems impacting the Palestinian economy and governance, meeting participants expressed support for mitigating financial and security risks and strengthening the finances. According to Hutifeldt’s closing statement, that includes the following:
- Expanding trade between Jordan and the Palestinian territories, between Gaza and the West Bank, and between Israel and other countries;
- Minimizing risks in the banking sector;
- Working on E-VAT tax and fees;
- Meeting in the Joint Economic Committee;
- Improving telecommunications access; and
- Asking Israel to expand access for Palestinian workers to the Israeli labor market and supply lines.
Finally, Hutifeldt said the AHLC members welcomed the news that the International Monetary Fund would be issuing a report that would “promote transparency and increase our understanding of the financial situation.”
U.S. Ambassador Tours Middle East
Meanwhile, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, is visiting Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan this week.
When she announced her trip in a telephone press briefing with reporters last week, Amb. Thomas-Greenfeld emphasized the special U.S.-Israeli relationship, especially in the United Nations.
“The United States and Israel have a strong and enduring partnership, particularly as it relates to our interests at the United Nations. So it’s been a top priority for me to visit, to meet with Prime Minister Bennett, President Herzog, and other officials, and to explore ways to expand our close cooperation at the United Nations,” Amb. Thomas-Greenfeld said Nov. 13. “The Biden administration is committed to defending Israel from one-sided and biased resolutions that consume too much time in UN bodies, and I have been proud to stand up for Israel at the Security Council. I also hope to discuss our positive agenda at the UN aimed at promoting Israel’s full participation in the UN system, which is in the interest not only of Israel but the entire international community. We also want to make the Abraham Accords and other normalization agreements between Israel and its Arab and Muslim neighbors felt at the UN, where I hope there will be new opportunities for cooperation.”
Amb. Thomas-Greenfeld said she would also be viewing “firsthand the lifesaving work being done by the State Department, USAID, and UN agencies to support refugees and humanitarian efforts in the region” and would be expressing “deep gratitude to Jordan for hosting” refugees.
Asked about Israel’s plan to build 3,000 new settlement units –considered illegal under international law– in the West Bank, Amb. Thomas-Greenfield responded, “Yeah. I commented on that, as you know, in my speech at the Security Council and expressed our concerns.”
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