The UAE expressed Saturday its deep concern over the recent developments in the Palestinian territories, due to the continued Israeli aggression.
"The Israeli aggression has reached a dangerous stage that threatens the security and safety of Palestinian people in a way that has never been witnessed," said Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan during talks he held with Lincoln Bloomfield, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Political and Military Affairs.
According to Khaleej Times, discussions between Shaikh Sultan and Bloomfield focused on current U.S. efforts to defuse the mounting tension in the Palestinian territories and create an atmosphere, which will facilitate the renewal of the Middle East Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
Shaikh Sultan stressed that the U.S. administration's effort to contain the situation in the region underlined Washington's commitment to supporting the peace process and bringing the two sides back to the negotiating table so as to end the current tense situation.
"The humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories has reached a critical level because of continued Israeli blockade and demolition of homes of hundreds of Palestinian families," Shaikh Sultan pointed out. He strongly urged the international community, notably the United States, which is the major peace sponsor, to spare the Palestinians these tragic events.
"A just and comprehensive settlement to the Middle East crisis is the only way to restore calm in the region and achieve lasting peace between the Israelis and Palestinians," Shaikh Sultan emphasized. "Israel's insistence on destroying the Palestinian National Authority infrastructure in this harmful way can neither help efforts to restore calm nor contribute to achieving the objectives of the U.S. administration in the region," he added.
In return, the U.S. official reiterated Washington’s commitment to work for restoring peace and stability in the region and setting the stage for a return to the negotiation table. Confirming the commitment of the U.S. administration as based on 'principle' Bloomfield stated that, "The current tension between the two sides cannot continue because it will not only make the situation worse but also complicate efforts aimed at resuming peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians”. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
