Switzerland reiterates support for Palestinian reconciliation efforts

Switzerland reiterated its continued support for Palestinian reconciliation efforts between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas in accordance with the Swiss roadmap to promote integrating the PA in the West Bank and the civil administration in the Gaza Strip.

During a joint press conference with visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga confirmed her country’s commitment to supporting the two-state solution.

“Switzerland has worked for years for a solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Our aim is to achieve peace,” Sommaruga said yesterday, confirming Switzerland’s support of a two-state solution “going down a path of negotiations that is fair and lasting”.

Sommaruga stressed the importance of a national consensus government capable of playing its part in Gaza.

She added that the Swiss road map which gives priority to supporting the heath and education sector in Gaza could solve the staff problem in the enclave.

“One of the main pillars of our foreign policy is to provide support for peace and educational cooperation and humanitarian aid measures,” she said.

Sommaruga pointed out that achieving a lasting peace depends on respecting human rights and international humanitarian law.

For his part, President Abbas said he valued the Swiss efforts to solve the staff problems in Gaza.