French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said that the Israeli annexation in the occupied West Bank would constitute a violation of international law and a threat to the two-state solution and would have consequences on the relations between the European Union and "Israel". He added that annexation is not in the interest of the Palestinians, Israelis, Europeans, or the international community.

This came in a letter Le Drian sent to the Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the PLO, Saeb Erekat, as a response to Erekat's letter in which he briefed him on the recent developments, the destructive repercussions of the annexation plan and the expansion of settlements to the two-state solution and peace in the region.

"You have informed me of the Palestine Liberation Organization's concern about the possibility of Israel's annexation of Palestinian lands, and how the organization seeks to achieve peace based on international law and the principle of two states," said Le Drian in his letter. "France, as you know, is committed to working towards achieving a just and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on a two-state solution in accordance with international law and agreed standards."

"For us, this solution will remain the only path that can meet the aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis in two states living side by side within secure and recognized boundaries on the basis of the 1967 lines."

He stressed that France opposes any measures that would undermine the conditions for the resumption of negotiations, especially settlement policy.

France called on the Israeli authorities to refrain from any unilateral decision, which results in the annexation of any part of the Palestinian territories.

Le Drian confirmed that France will continue to stand with the Palestinian Authority and the PLO, under international law and signed agreements.

Source : Safa