Saudi Arabia says ‘no diplomatic relations with Israel without Palestinian state’

RIYADH: The Saudi Foreign Affairs confirmed that the position of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always been steadfast on the Palestinian issue and the necessity that the brotherly Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement that was published on the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), in which it said that Saudi Arabia will not have diplomatic relations with Israel without an independent Palestinian state. "Regarding the discussions between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America on the Arab-Israeli peace process, and in light of what has been attributed to the U.S. National Security Spokesperson, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that the position of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always been steadfast on the Palestinian issue and the necessity that the brotherly Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights," the statement said. "The Kingdom has communicated its firm position to the U.S. administration that there will be no di plomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognized on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and that the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip stops and all Israeli occupation forces withdraw from the Gaza Strip." "The Kingdom reiterates its call to the permanent members of the UN Security Council that have not yet recognized the Palestinian state, to expedite the recognition of the Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, so that the Palestinian people can obtain their legitimate rights and so that a comprehensive and just peace is achieved for all," the statement concluded. Source: Palestine news and Information Agency – WAFA