Russia reaffirms support for Palestinian statehood on Independence Day
Russia says Palestinian issue remains cornerstone of Middle East affairs
Russia marked Palestinian Independence Day by reaffirming its support for the Palestinian cause, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported o Sunday.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the Palestinian people's struggle for an independent state was a pivotal moment in their quest for historical justice.
The Ministry noted that Russia had maintained a firm position in support of Palestinian Arab people's legitimate national rights since the 1947 UN resolution calling for two states in Palestine.
It stressed that resolving the Palestinian issue was essential to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region, and that a solution could only be reached through political and diplomatic means based on relevant UN resolutions.
The Ministry emphasized that a just and lasting peace in the Middle East could not be achieved without an independent, sovereign, and geographically contiguous Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in peace and security.
The Palestinian issue remains unresolved, despite over 150 countries recognizing the State of Palestine and Palestine having obtained observer State status at the United Nations.
Background
Russia's support for the Palestinian cause dates back to the Soviet era, with the country consistently advocating for Palestinian rights in international forums.
The Palestinian Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on November 15, 1988, and has since been recognized by many countries around the world.
What's next
The international community continues to seek a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the aim of establishing a sovereign Palestinian state alongside the state of Israel.