AL chief affirms adherence to Palestinian, Arab principles

CAIRO – 9 July 2017: Arab League (AL) Secretary General Ahmed Abul Gheit on Saturday affirmed the importance of adhering to the principles of the Palestinian and Arab stance, whose essence is to abide by the Arab peace initiative without changing its priorities, which calls for an end to the occupation before the establishment of normal relations between the Arab states and Israel.

In a statement, spokesman for the AL chief Mahmoud Afifi said a meeting between Abul Gheit and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas dealt with recent developments regarding the ongoing contacts aiming to resume the political process between the Palestinians and Israelis.

The Palestinian leader posted the AL chief on the US efforts led by President Donald Trump to make peace, stressing the two-state principle is the only solution to resolve the Palestinian cause, as well as the ongoing efforts to bring about the Palestinian reconciliation and heal the rift to help the national unity government assume its responsibilities.

Abul Gheit also briefed Abbas on the results of his contacts on the Palestinian issue during his recent foreign visits, particularly to Rome and Moscow.

Earlier in the day, President Abbas arrived here on a two-day visit during which he will hold talks with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.