OSLO (AFP) – Dozens of countries will send delegates to Norway today as part of a global alliance aiming to find a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Norway’s Foreign Ministry said yesterday.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa, the head of the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA Philippe Lazzarini, and United Nations (UN) envoy to the Middle East Tor Wennesland are among those due to attend.
It will be the third meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, whose creation was announced in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
“While we must continue to work for an end to the war (in Gaza), we must also work for a lasting solution to the conflict that guarantees self-determination, security and justice for both the Palestinians and the Israelis,” Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said in a statement.
“There is broad support for a two-state solution, but the international community must do more to make it a reality.”
Representatives of more than 80 countries and organisations are expected to take part in the meeting, though no official Israeli delegation has been announced.
Israel was angered when several countries – including Norway – decided to recognise the Palestinian state. Analysts said however the possibility remains more remote than ever, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – backed by United States President-elect Donald Trump – vehemently opposed to the creation of a Palestinian state.
