“The status of Jerusalem must be resolved to ensure lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and this can only be achieved through negotiations,” said Mr Støre.
Today the Foreign Minister had talks with Palestinian leaders and with Lutheran Bishop Monib Younan about the situation of the Palestinian population of Jerusalem.
“Evictions, demolitions, the separation barrier and the ongoing establishment of new settlements are changing the demographics and geography of East Jerusalem, and thus also the basis for a negotiated solution,” said the Foreign Minister. “I am concerned that these changes, which have accelerated in recent months, will make it more difficult to get new, genuine negotiations off the ground.”
Norway considers the Israeli presence in East Jerusalem to be in violation of international law, as does the entire international community.
“We do not recognise Israel’s annexation of Palestinian East Jerusalem,” said Mr Støre.