Cairo, Sept. 9 (SANA) The foreign ministries of Palestine, Egypt, Kuwait and Qatar welcomed Britain’s announcement banning imports of goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, alongside steps by 12 countries to restrict trade with the settlements.
The countries described the measures as an important step toward upholding international law, confronting illegal settlement activity and supporting the two-state solution.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry praised the British leadership and Parliament for adopting a clearer and firmer position toward settlement and occupation, saying the growing international trend reflects the need to move from political condemnation to practical and legal measures.
Egypt said the British decision reflects adherence to international law and contributes to confronting illegal settlement activity and attempts to impose a new reality in the occupied West Bank, including Jerusalem. It said continued settlement expansion undermines Palestinian territorial unity and prospects for an independent and viable Palestinian state.
Kuwait welcomed the move, citing its importance in confronting Israeli settlement policies and referring specifically to UN Security Council Resolution 2334. It reiterated its rejection of annexation and the forced displacement of Palestinians, as well as its support for establishing an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Qatar described Britain’s trade ban as an important step to deter settlement policies and said it represents a practical translation of international efforts to implement the two-state solution. It also pointed to growing international momentum following recognition of Palestine by a number of countries.
The four countries called on the international community to build on the measures by banning the import and marketing of settlement goods, halting related trade and investment, imposing sanctions on settlers and those involved in violence against Palestinians, and activating international accountability mechanisms.
Britain announced earlier Tuesday that it would ban imports of goods produced in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said legislation for the ban would be passed within six to nine months.
The 12 countries — Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom — also announced plans to impose national restrictions and support European restrictions on trade in settlement goods.
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