Mohammed Shtayyeh, prime minister of Palestine, called on Britain to force Israel to enable the elections to be conducted in Jerusalem and allow the international electoral observers to arrive at the Palestinian lands.

This came when he met Michael Gove, Minister of the British Cabinet, in Ramallah today in the presence of Philip Hall, General-Counselor of Britain, and his delegation.

Shtayyeh stated that the conduct of elections is a national, political imperative that does not relate to the number of electors and their right to participate, but to the Israeli admission that Jerusalem and Jerusalemites are among the Palestinian national and political fabric, and their commitment to the signed agreements that allow the Jerusalemites to vote.

"Leaders insist on conducting the elections in the Palestinian territories to renew the democracy in the institutes to confront the political challenges," he added.

Shtayyeh reviewed the latest economic and political developments and welcomed any international efforts that aim at reviving the political process and widening the international Quartet to reach a comprehensive, just and peaceful solution for the Palestinian cause and establish the Palestinian state, whose capital is Jerusalem.

He also welcomed Britain's position on the international criminal court and its respect for its independence, confirming that Israel violates international law and human rights in Palestine. Hence, it must be held accountable.