IPU CALLS FOR CESSATION OF VIOLENCE AND RESUMPTION OF DIALOGUE BETWEEN ISRAELIS AND PALESTINIANS
Appalled at the worsening situation in the Middle East, the attack against the headquarters of the President of the Palestinian Authority and the acts of violence committed against innocent civilians of both sides, the President of the Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Dr. Najma Heptulla, and the IPU Secretary General, Mr. Anders B. Johnsson, have called for a halt in the violence and a resumption of dialogue between the Israeli and the Palestinian authorities.
The President of the IPU Council and the IPU Secretary General recalled the resolution adopted by consensus during the 107 Inter-Parliamentary Conference which took place in Marrakech ten days ago. The resolution addressed the role of parliaments in supporting implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1397 relating to the vision of a region in which Israel and Palestine live side by side within secure and recognized borders.
During the 107th Inter-Parliamentary Conference in Marrakech the world parliamentary community called on the Israelis and the Palestinians to "observe a cease-fire, comply with the standards of international humanitarian law and put an end to hostilities with a view to ensuring the security of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples, enabling Palestinian institutions to function freely and allowing the Israeli and Palestinian peoples to move about in all safety".
In keeping with its tradition of encouraging dialogue to resolve political crises, the IPU resolution urges the Israelis and Palestinians "to introduce a logic of peace to replace the logic of war, violence and terror, by resuming political negotiations for a common future".
|
Established in 1889 and with its Headquarters in Geneva, the IPU, the oldest multilateral organisation, currently has 142 affiliated national parliaments and five regional assemblies as associate members. The organisation of the world's parliaments also has a Liaison Office with the United Nations in New York.
|
 Other press releases |
More information |
|
