Date: 19/12/2010
The spokesperson of the Organization of the Islamic Conference noted with concern the recent resolution of the US Congress expressing “its strong opposition to any attempt to establish or seek recognition of a Palestinian state outside of an agreement negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians”. The Spokesperson reiterated OIC position that favors a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of relevant UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Imitative. However, in the absence of a genuine political will on the part of the Israeli government, the OIC encourages the international community to support the national Palestinian rights including their right to establish their independent Palestinian state on Palestinian lands occupied by Israel in 1967, and to pressure Israel to live up to its commitments and obligations. The OIC hopes that the US, as the main sponsor of the Middle East Peace Process, would continue its efforts to create an atmosphere conducive to start negotiations. It is expected also that balanced, creative and constructive ideas would revitalize the political process towards its noble objectives of establishing just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.