UN welcomes new Palestinian unity government

05 June 2014

New Palestinian government follows reconciliation deal between Fatah and Hamas

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has formally welcomed the new Palestinian unity government headed by Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah.

The formation of the new government was announced by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on 2 June, and follows a reconciliation deal reached in April by rival groups Fatah and Hamas.

A statement issued by the secretary-general’s spokesperson said the UN had received assurances the deal would be implemented on the basis of previous commitments, such as the recognition of Israel and non-violence.

“The United Nations has long underscored the need for progress towards Palestinian unity in line with existing resolutions, within the framework of the Palestinian Authority and the commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organisation,” said the statement.

“The secretary-general takes note of the renewed assurances by President Abbas that the government will continue to abide by those commitments of recognition of Israel, non-violence and adherence to previous agreements,” it said. 

“The secretary-general also notes that the Palestine Liberation Organisation will remain responsible for holding peace negotiations with the state of Israel, a commitment President Abbas has reaffirmed, and hopes that new opportunities for progress toward a two-State solution will emerge soon,” it stated.

Israel has called on the international community not to recognise Palestine’s new government.

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