Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, has welcomed the outcomes of the Palestinian National Dialogue, which was hosted by Cairo for two days, stressing that it achieved the required consensus that paves the way for holding legislative and presidential elections in a positive atmosphere.
He also called on all Palestinian factions to seize this opportunity and adhere to what was agreed upon.
Aboul Gheit affirmed that the planned elections in Palestine represent an important step for renewing Palestinian legitimacy, calling on the international community to make every possible effort to ensure that elections take place in all the occupied territories, including East Jerusalem. He stressed that Israel – as an occupying state – is bound by the international law not to hinder the electoral process in the occupied territories.
Aboul Gheit affirmed that the Arab League will stand by Palestine in this important political phase, stressing that observers from the pan-Arab bloc will follow the electoral process in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. He added that a large voter turnout is expected in the upcoming elections which would reflect the political awareness of the Palestinian people, and their understanding of the importance of this step on the path of building an independent state.
