EU representative in the Palestinian Territories Sven Kuhn von Burgsdorff speaks to journalists in front of the headquarters of the Palestinian Election Commission, in the city of Ramallah in the West Bank, on March 30, 2021. Palestinian legislative polls have been called for May 22 and a presidential vote on July 31, the first Palestinian elections in 15 years. (ABBAS MOMANI / AFP)
RAMALLAH – The European Union on Thursday urged Israel not to obstruct the upcoming Palestinian elections.
Sven Kuhn von Burgsdorff, the EU representative in Palestine, said the EU continues its contact with the Israeli government to allow the legislative elections to be held in the Palestinian territories "without interruption or obstacles."
Sven Kuhn von Burgsdorff, the EU representative in Palestine, told reporters that within the coming days, the EU will intensify its efforts with all parties concerned, including Israel, on holding the elections, ending internal Palestinian division and establishing the Palestinian state
Burgsdorff made the remarks in a meeting in Ramallah with Azzam al-Ahmad, a member of the executive committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization.
He told reporters that within the coming days, the EU will intensify its efforts with all parties concerned, including Israel, on holding the elections, ending internal Palestinian division and establishing the Palestinian state.
The EU official said self-determination is the right of the Palestinian people under international conventions and laws, including the establishment of their independent state on all the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967.
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Meanwhile, al-Ahmad said it is necessary for the EU to keep pressuring Israel not to obstruct the Palestinian elections in East Jerusalem.
On Wednesday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas informed German Chancellor Angela Merkel that he insists on holding the Palestinian elections in all Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, the Palestinian news agency (WAFA) reported.
WAFA quoted Merkel as saying Germany supports the Palestinian elections and that her country will exert efforts for the elections to be held in East Jerusalem.
The Palestinian Central Elections Commission has announced that 36 electoral lists have got registered for the legislative elections.
Among the 36 competing lists are Hamas and the ruling Fatah party of Abbas. The rest of the lists include left-wing parties, independent figures, youths and women.
In January, Abbas announced the 2021 general elections will include the legislative elections on May 22, the presidential elections on July 31, and the elections of the Palestinian National Council, the highest decision-making body of the Palestine Liberation Organization, on Aug 31.
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The last Palestinian presidential elections were held in March 2005, and the legislative elections in January 2006.