I would like to thank Special Coordinator Mladenov for his briefing. Firstly, I would like to state that Estonia aligns itself with the joint statement of the European Union.
Estonia welcomes the signing of the agreements between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, and between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Israel as well as the recent announcement of the agreement between Israel and Sudan. These are positive steps towards achieving peace and stability in the whole region. We acknowledge the constructive role that the United States has played in this regard. We encourage regional actors to embrace this spirit of compromise, and continue to implement confidence-building measures that would contribute to the long-term stability of the region.
We believe that these historic developments can also give momentum to find a comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel’s commitment to suspend the plan to extend its sovereignty over parts of the West Bank is a positive step.
We urge both sides to re-engage in meaningful negotiations on all final status issues in order to achieve a just and lasting peace. It is important that also the regional and international players including the Middle East Quartet continue efforts towards these negotiations.
Our position regarding the Middle East conflict remains the same – a two-state solution and a lasting peace can be achieved only through direct negotiations, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of both parties and Israeli security concerns.
In light of the recent developments we urge also the Israelis and Palestinians to take further steps to build confidence, especially in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. We call upon the Palestinian Authority to resume cooperation with Israel based on previous agreements and would like to wish speedy recovery to the Palestinian Chief Negotiator Mr. Saeb Erekat.
We have noted the positive signals that the Palestinian factions have reached consensus on holding elections. We hope this agreement will soon result in setting a date for the elections throughout the occupied Palestinian Territories, as well as the commitment by all Palestinian factions to democratic principles.
We call on all parties to refrain from any unilateral steps which undermine the viability of the two state solution. We call upon Israel to stop the settlement expansion and demolitions in the occupied Palestinian Territories, including in East Jerusalem.
We also condemn all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror and acts of provocation, incitement and destruction. The continued firing of rockets into Israel is not acceptable.
In conclusion, I would like to once again urge both the Israelis and the Palestinians to use the positive regional dynamics and to build trust and commitment to peace and to re-engage in meaningful negotiations.
I thank you!
