Malta renews stance on two-state solution in Middle East in meeting with UN's Guterres

Malta once again reiterated its appeal for Hamas to unconditionally release any remaining Israeli hostages following the group's 7 October attack on Israel in 2023, Prime Minister Robert Abela told Secretary General of the UN António Guterres,

By: independent.com.mt

Sep 27 2024
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Malta renews stance on two-sta

Abela also said that Malta's stance of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine has not changed, a Department of Information statement said Friday.

Abela added that dialogue remains the best instrument and other parties, including the EU, should work together towards peace and stability in the Middle East and the Mediterranean. He reiterated that Malta maintains its solid stance of a two-state solution meaning the establishment of two states which allow the people of Israel and Palestine to live alongside each other in peace and security.

Abela expressed his concern with Guterres on the escalation of the war in the Middle East which has now expanded to Lebanon. Regarding the situation in Gaza, he said that Malta welcomed the decision of the International Courts of Justice to protect the interests of the civilians in the Gaza Strip and its request to allow access of humanitarian aid, particularly in Rafah.

The OPM said that on the sidelines of the 79th general assembly of the United Nations, Abela had a meeting with Guterres, in which various themes were discussed, amongst them; Libya and the Mediterranean, the escalating tensions in the Middle East and Malta's term in the Security Council of the UN.

Regarding Libya, Abela said that Malta should advocate in favour for the stability of the country, particularly so that the prosperity and stability at the centre and south of the Mediterranean will be stronger. He explained the importance of different parties in Libya getting closer so that there will be a legitimate process led by the Libyans for the Libyans and pointed out the the need for this process to keep moving forward without hindrance in the interest of Libya's sovreignity and territorial integrity.

On his part, Guterres thanked Malta for its prominent part in favour of peace through its role in the Security Council apart from Malta putting climate change, gender equality and female emancipation, as well as the safeguarding of minors from becoming child-soldiers.