Hamdallah: Resolving issue of refugees is priority

Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah praised the role of the United Nations, especially its Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for their consistent commitment to provide assistance, relief and protection for Palestinian refugees, Palestinian Government Media Center said in a press release Friday. He also stressed on the fact that the issue of refugees is one of the highest priorities of the Palestinian leadership and key issues for a settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the achievement of a lasting and complete peace in the region. Rami Hamdallah said, "Until a just and lasting solution to the of Palestinian refugees is achieved, on the basis of the international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, including the 194 General Assembly Resolution, which confirms refugees' rights to return to their homes to live in peace and get fair compensation, the political, financial and moral support of UNRWA remains essential." Prime Minister emphasised that the constant difficulties and the needs of refugees are still obvious. "We are witnessing the grave conditions they are going through in refugee camps in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and the occupied Palestinian territories," he said. Hamdallah appealed to the international community to uphold its obligations according to international humanitarian law to assist and protect refugees, particularly in Syria. Representatives of donor countries, during their meetings with the Prime Minister yesterday, confirmed their continued support to the Palestinian government to enable it to carry out its duties, and condemned the continuous construction in settlements, and deprivation of Palestinians of their rights in the so-called "C" areas. They also welcomed the participation of the Palestinian Prime Minister in this important conference, thanking him for his commitment to institutional building and human rights principles. Source: PNN