Romanian FM: Jordan's vaccination of refugees a model of solidarity... 3rd & final add

(MENAFN - Jordan News Agency) 7. What is your position on the Palestinian issue and the peace process?As we have stated on numerous occasions, including during our Prime Minister's and my visits to Palestine and Israel, in September and November 2020, Romania is and remains a firm supporter of international law.Therefore, we advocate for the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a just and comprehensive manner, in accordance with the two-state solution, as it is the only viable option for meeting the aspirations of both sides.In this process, we consider that the involvement of, and coordination with the regional actors, such as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and also with the United States, remain of vital importance, as they can play an important role in unlocking and advancing the direct dialogue between the Israelis and Palestinians.8. A recent Romanian decision to transfer the Romanian embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem has sparked negative reactions against Romania. How did you handle these reactions and did it affect Romania's relations with the regional states?It is important for you and for the Jordanian public to know that Romania's position regarding the status of Jerusalem, one of the final status issues in the MEPP, has always remained unchanged and in accordance with the international law and relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and UN General Assembly. I would like to reiterate that any discussion regarding a possible relocation of our embassy can take place only after a final agreement on the status of Jerusalem is reached.There have been some political declarations, back in 2019, regarding the transfer of our embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. These have been clearly rejected by the President of Romania, who has the decisive prerogatives in foreign and security policy. As such, there was no step made or formal decision taken beyond such declarations.With some special efforts of our diplomacy, I am glad to say, at this point, that our traditional and friendly relations with the Arab states and, particularly, with Palestine, continued to develop and grow, to the benefit of all parties.In this vein, let me recall again that, in 2020, both the Romanian Prime Minister and I paid official visits in Palestine and Israel, during which our Prime Minister had a very fruitful dialogue with President Mahmoud Abbas. As a matter of fact, I discussed the results of this visits and the perspectives with Minister Safadi in September 2020 and I am sure we will further elaborate on this topic during our consultations on the 4th of April.9. What is your position on regional issues, especially the Syrian issue?Our position on these issues reconfirms, in fact, the strength of our friendship: Romania's and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan's views converge on many regional matters of great importance. As I said, Romania highly values Jordan's efforts towards identifying political solutions to conflicts in the region, as well as its continued efforts in the fight against terrorism and radicalization, efforts to which, during the past few years, Romania has also shown itself willing to contribute, as part of the Global Coalition against Daesh.Just like the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Romania encourages and supports political dialogue as a means of solving all conflicts and crises in the region, which affect, through their devastating consequences, not only the Middle East, but the entire world. The conflict in Syria is now entering its 11th year and we continue to witness its devastating consequences on millions of civilians and refugees.It is now time for renewed discussions and an increased involvement of the EU and of the international community. Romania fully supports a political solution to the Syrian conflict in accordance with UNSCR 2254 and the Geneva Communiqu�. Only an inclusive, comprehensive, political solution can bring lasting peace and allow stabilization of the region and the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees. We now need to act firmly and decisively in support of efforts for the implementation of a political solution. Romania stands ready to contribute, alongside the EU, to renewed international efforts in this direction.On March 30, I attended the Brussels V Conference where I have announced, on behalf of Romania, a new pledge in support of the future of Syria and the region, dedicated to humanitarian assistance for Syrian refugees and strengthening resilience of neighbouring refugee-host countries in the region, such as Jordan. This is a renewed opportunity for the international community to show support for an inclusive, comprehensive political solution that can ultimately bring long awaited, lasting peace, in accordance with the international law and the will of the Syrian people.We appreciate the significant efforts made by Jordan to accommodate Syrian refugees since the beginning of the crisis, hosting and providing them with basic humanitarian assistance and social services. We commend the solidarity and generosity of Jordanian people and Jordanian authorities, while we remain, at the same time, aware of costs and challenges incurred on health and humanitarian systems as a consequence of the prolonged crisis, even more now given the high pressure placed on these systems all around the world because of COVID-19.Since the beginning of the crisis, the EU and EU Member States, including Romania, have tried to help Syrian refugee-hosting countries shoulder the burden, including through direct support or UN specialized bodies, such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or the World Food Program (WFP). We have also contributed with a total of more than 27 million euros up to now to the EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey. The Romanian Government will continue to deliver upon all its humanitarian pledges and remains committed to continue assistance through predictable funding.We will continue to support the efforts made by the international community in this direction. I am convinced that by working together we will find ways to support renewed hope for Syria, the Syrian people and the region."Ends...04/04/2021 11:39:32 MENAFN04042021000117011021ID1101858127