The European Union Representative issues the following statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah.

The EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah have noted the dissolution of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) in December 2018 and the announcement of legislative elections within 6 months.

While the PLC has not been in session since 2007 and has not been in a position to exercise its function as the legislative body of the Palestinian Authority, as foreseen in the Palestinian Basic Law, over the course of the last decade, its dissolution formally brings to an end the mandate of the only elected governing body of the Palestinian Authority, a development the EU missions regard with concern.

In line with the Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions from 2016, and in light of the announced elections, the EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah encourage the Palestinian leadership to work toward strong, inclusive, accountable and democratic institutions, based on respect for the rule of law and human rights. Hence, the EU calls upon the government to work towards genuine and democratic elections for all Palestinians. The European Union considers this to be crucial in view of the establishment of a viable and sovereign Palestinian State. To this end, the EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah call on all Palestinian factions to seek common ground and to work together to pursue a positive path towards democracy for the full benefit of the Palestinian people. They urge all Palestinian factions to engage in good faith in the reconciliation process which is an important element for reaching the two state solution. The Palestinian Authority must fully resume its governmental functions in Gaza, as it is an integral part of a future Palestinian state.

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