Amman Meeting on the Middle East Peace Process

 

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, France, Germany and Jordan, met in Amman today to continue their coordination and consultation on means  to advance the Middle East Peace Process towards a just, comprehensive and lasting peace. The meeting was attended by the EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process.

 

The Ministers declared:

 

1- We emphasize our commitment to support all efforts to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace that fulfills the legitimate rights of all parties on the basis of international law, relevant United Nations resolutions and agreed parameters, including the Arab Peace Initiative. 

 

2- We stress that the resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state solution, that ensures the emergence of an independent and viable Palestinian state on the basis of June 4, 1967 lines, living side by side a secure and recognized Israel, is the path to achieving comprehensive, enduring peace and regional security.

 

3- We concur that the building and expansion of settlements, and confiscation of Palestinian structures and properties are a violation of international law that undermine the viability of the two-state solution. In this regard, we call on both parties to fully implement UNSCR 2334 and all its provisions.

 

4 - Recalling our joint statement from July 7, 2020. We take note of the suspension of annexation of Palestinian lands following the announcement of the decision by the United Arab  Emirates and Israel to normalize ties. This suspension should become permanent.

 

5- We stress the importance of upholding the legal and historic status quo of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem. We recognize the important role of Jordan and the Hashemite Custodianship of the Holy Sites in this regard.

 

6- We emphasize that the resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state solution is indispensable for comprehensive peace. We emphasize the importance of the peace treaties between Arab States and Israel, including the recently signed treaties between United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain with Israel, contributing to the resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state solution so that comprehensive and lasting peace is achieved.

 

7 - We reaffirmed the indispensable role of UNRWA and the need to provide it with the political and financial support it needs to continue to fulfill its UN mandate and provide its vital services to refugees.

 

8 - We emphasize that ending the stalemate in peace talks, the creation of political horizons and the restoration of hope through credible dialogue must be a priority. We emphasize the urgency of the resumption of serious, meaningful and effective negotiations on the basis of international law and agreed parameters directly between the parties or under the UN umbrella, including the Middle East Quartet to achieve this peace. We call upon the parties to commit to past agreements and to resume credible dialogue on these basis. The Covid-19 pandemic which is a severe reminder that peace and cooperation are more necessary than ever.We will continue to work together and with all other concerned parties to enable such negotiations.

Egypt, France, Germany and Jordan will maintain their active involvement and continue their efforts as well as to offer their good offices to produce a conducive environment for the resumption of credible negotiations, with a view to progressing towards achieving the just and comprehensive peace that all peoples of the region deserve.