Erakat: “Both the Obama Administration and the PLO share a strong commitment to the two-state solution as the only viable settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.”

Today, Chief Palestinian Negotiator Dr. Saeb Erakat said following the meeting with US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, that President Abbas reaffirmed the PLO’s commitment to the two-state solution as the basis for a negotiated settlement to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

“Both the Obama Administration and the PLO share a strong commitment to the two-state solution as the only viable settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict,” Dr. Erakat said. “We are encouraged by the clear intentions of the Obama Administration to actively pursue a negotiated settlement to the Palestinian-Israeli and to the larger Arab-Israeli conflict,” added Erakat. He also noted that “resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a key component in the wider context of achieving regional peace and stability.”

Dr. Erakat reiterated the importance of restoring credibility to the peace process by ensuring that any future Israeli government abides by the previous agreements.

“A new Israeli government that does not endorse the two-state solution, does not accept previous agreements, and does not totally freeze settlement activities, cannot be a partner for peace,” Dr. Erakat said.

“For a genuine peace to be realized, the new Israeli government must implement an immediate and comprehensive freeze on all settlement activity, including all 'natural growth’, as well as meet its other Roadmap obligations. In particular, this includes a freeze on all Israeli settlement activity, as well as an immediate end to home demolitions and the forced transfer of Palestinians from their homes and lands, in East Jerusalem,” noted Dr. Erakat.

Dr. Erakat added that “Israel must also lift its crippling regime of closure in the West Bank by removing all checkpoints and roadblocks to allow for the free movement of people and goods. And it must end its suffocating siege of Gaza and immediately reopen the crossing points.”

Dr. Erakat stressed the crucial role that US has to play. “By necessity, the peace process will be a central component of the new US policy of active engagement and diplomacy in the region. Ending Israel’s occupation and resolving the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis will be a key to the success of America’s diplomatic efforts elsewhere in the Middle East.”

“The Obama Administration needs to play the role of an even handed and honest broker capable of creating a level playing field in any future negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis. It is an American interest as much as it is a regional and international interest to end the conflict once and for all,” concluded Dr. Erakat.