A delegation from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) visited Oslo this week at the start of an international tour of world capitals to brief local leaders on the situation in the Middle East, particularly Palestine. The intention, said an OIC statement, is to mobilise support for the Palestinian cause.
The delegation is headed by Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, his Palestinian Authority counterpart Riyad Al-Malki, Foreign Minister Lounceny Fall from Guinea and the Special Envoy of the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan, as well as OIC Secretary General Iyad Madani.
The group passed a message on behalf of the organisation to Norway’s Foreign Minister, Borge Brende. Israel’s practices which have led to the failure of the near 25 year-old peace process were explained in detail.
A statement from the OIC noted that successive Israeli governments have used the talks to give themselves time in which to change the reality on the ground. “This has included intensified Judaisation campaigns in Jerusalem, building illegal settlements, doubling the number of Jewish settlers in the West Bank to 600,000 and the construction of the Apartheid Wall, as well as attacks on Palestinians.”
According to the delegation, “The continuation of this situation is no longer feasible, while any future negotiations or peace process must be based on clear political terms of reference, a timeframe and international guarantees.”
In response, the Norwegian foreign minister expressed his understanding of the message, appreciated its content, and pledged that his country would continue its historical role in building peace and stability in the region. Brende also reiterated Norway’s support for the two-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative, stressing that Israel’s settlements are illegal and undermine the peace process.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Malki said that the patience of the Palestinian people has been exhausted and that statements by the international community condemning Israel are no longer sufficient.