Switzerland welcomes inter-Palestinian reconciliation agreement

Switzerland supported the Egypt-sponsoring signing of an inter-Palestinian reconciliation agreement Palestinian reconciliation on April 27, an official statement released by the Foreign Ministry here on Friday said. Such an agreement is an essential prerequisite for the achievement of the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to self-determination", according to the statement which also wishes to welcome Egypt's key role in brokering this deal. "Switzerland supports Palestinian reconciliation, which is an essential prerequisite for the achievement of the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to self-determination", said the ministry press release. "This agreement meets the expectations expressed by the Palestinian people and should advance democracy and the respect of human rights across the Palestinian territories," it added. Switzerland sees that this agreement should also strengthen efforts to build the necessary institutions for any future independent Palestinian state. " Moreover, it considers that priority should now be given to achieving a permanent ceasefire, lifting the blockade in Gaza, and reaching an agreement on the release of the Israeli solider, Gilad Shalit. It also urges all parties to work closely with the Quartet in order to reach a global and negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in accordance with international law and UN Security Council Resolutions 242, 338 and 1515, and governed by the principle of land for peace. Switzerland supports a negotiated two-state solution according to the model developed in the Geneva Accord by members of Israeli and Palestinian civil society. In 2010, Switzerland proposed the introduction of an access regime to Gaza that would uphold Israeli security interests. It also encourages all parties involved to fully respect international humanitarian law.