Ashrawi calls on UK to recognise Palestinian state

Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, has called on the UK to recognise the Palestinian state, raise the level of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and play a more dynamic role to encourage the political process. She also suggested for the UK to enhance its position with regards to Israeli violations of Palestinian rights, especially the illegal expansion of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, and to heighten its pressure on Israel to comply with international law.

During a meeting with British officials on Thursday, Ashrawi pointed out that: “the success or failure of the negotiations depends on Israel. Israel should be forced to comply with international law, thus stopping the settlements’ activities and recognising Palestinian rights.”

Ashrawi praised the European Union’s latest guidelines that regulate relations with Israeli companies and ban the funding of projects in the occupied territories. She told her British counterparts: “We believe that similar guidelines are among the most effective and positive means to support legitimacy and fairness in the pursuit of peace. We hope that the European Union will abide by its new guidelines despite Israel’s efforts to circumvent them.”