During his meeting with his Swedish counterpart
shtayyeh: Sweden is a model for European countries in translating their position into an act by recognizing Palestine
He called for supporting government programs in the economic empowerment of youth and women
The Prime Minister Dr. Mohammed Shtayyeh met his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofen at his office in Stockholm- Sweden, during his official visit to Sweden which he will hold a number of official meetings besides his participation in the Progressive Alliance Conference.
Shtayyeh briefed Leuven on the latest developments, especially with regard to the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, expressing his thanks for the Egyptian role in reaching a ceasefire, injecting Palestinian blood in the Gaza Strip and preventing aggression from rolling over, as well as for the UN efforts in the same context.
Shtayyeh reiterated his refusal to use Palestinian blood as a card in the political electoral battle in Israel, and reiterated the demand for international protection for our people from Israeli violations, whether in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank
By recognizing the state of Palestine, Sweden has translated its position in support of the two-state solution in line with international law and with the values of justice into action, '' Ashtayeh said.``It represents a model for European countries to take the same decision to protect the two-state solution, in light of Israel's violation of all signed agreements and international law
On the other hand, the Prime Minister called on his Swedish counterpart that his country should play a role in pressuring Israel to hold elections in Jerusalem, Stressing on reaching a national consensus for the holding after the approval of Hamas and its intention to send a letter announcing its approval to hold elections within the points set by President Mahmoud Abbas.
"We insist on holding elections and we started to overcome obstacles to hold them, because Palestine needs to restore democratic radiation and renew blood in its institutions, and work to raise the participation of youth and women in decision-making," shtayyeh said.
On the other hand, Shtayyeh thanked his Swedish counterpart for his assistance to Palestine in various fields and called for focusing more on the priorities set by the government in its strategy, especially the economic empowerment of women and youth as part of their political and social empowerment.
For his part, Leuven stressed Sweden's continued support for the two-state solution and the establishment of the Palestinian state out of belief in Palestinian rights and international law