ADDIS ABABA – Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh stressed the importance of promoting Arab-African dialogue, saying that inviting Palestine to attend the African Union summit is a message of support for the inalienable Palestinian rights.
Addressing the 36th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, on behalf of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, he thanked the African leaders for the opportunity to speak on behalf of Palestine from the podium of the African Union, “the podium of a free Africa that was able to defeat colonialism and is seeking a bright future for its people.”
“Today, Africa is reiterating determination to promote its unity to realize the goals of free movement and free trade away from military and customs barriers,” he said.
Shtayyeh added “We appreciate the stance of the African countries in solidarity with Palestine, and we in Palestine have always been on the same front with Africa and the African liberation movements. Let us affirm our continued standing together for the prosperity of Africa so that it is free from violence, poverty and unemployment. We also confirm that we stand for the promotion of Arab-African dialogue.”
He shed light in his speech on the continuing occupation of Palestinian lands, the racist and extremist practices of the Israeli occupation government and the repeated attacks on Christian and Islamic holy sites in the cities of Jerusalem and Hebron.
Shtayyeh said the Israeli occupation forces killed nearly 50 Palestinians in the past 46 days, shedding light on the occupation’s blatant violations of human rights and international law.
He called for exerting further efforts to put an end to the occupation’s illegal practices.
The premier pointed out that the UN Security Council is set to vote on a proposal to avoid taking any unilateral steps by the occupation, noting that the Palestinians are almost certain that the United States will, as usual, veto the proposal.
Shtayyeh said there is currently a serious political vacuum, underscoring the need to bridge the political gap and push for the implementation of the the Arab Peace Initiative.
He also called for supporting the two-state solution.
Shtayyeh extended thanks to Egypt, Algeria and all other African countries over their sincere efforts to reunite the Palestinians at all levels.
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