New york: President Mahmoud Abbas warmly welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron's official recognition of the independent and sovereign State of Palestine, describing it as a historic and crucial step toward achieving just and lasting peace.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, during his speech at the International Conference on a Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York, President Macron stated: "Since last July, events have escalated at a frightening pace. It is our responsibility to preserve the two-state solution-Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. Therefore, in line with France's historic commitment in the Middle East, I declare France's recognition of the State of Palestine."
Macron further emphasized the collective duty to protect everyone without exception and described this as an indivisible obligation. He stated that recognizing the legitimacy, humanity, and dignity of others is essential to breaking the cycle of war and destruction.
He highlighted the international responsibility to fulfill the United Nations' promises to the Palestinian people and acknowledged the shared accountability for past failures in establishing comprehensive and just peace in the region. Macron called for an end to the war on Gaza and the massacres and stressed the urgent need to achieve peace.
President Abbas praised France's recognition of the State of Palestine, underlining that it represents a vital and necessary step toward achieving a just and lasting peace in accordance with international legitimacy. He asserted that this recognition affirms the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, freedom, and independence, paving the way for the implementation of the two-state solution, where Palestine and Israel live side by side in peace, security, and good neighborliness.
The President outlined immediate priorities, including a ceasefire, the delivery of humanitarian aid, the release of all hostages and prisoners, Israel's full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and the assumption of full responsibilities by the State of Palestine. He also emphasized the need for recovery, reconstruction, halting settlements, and stopping settler violence.
President Abbas reaffirmed Palestine's commitment to all reforms and obligations previously pledged in his official correspondence to President Macron, emphasizing the ongoing agenda to strengthen governance, accountability, and the rule of law.