Palestinian Vice President: Decision to postpone legislative elections came within the framework of 'collective conviction'

Ramallah, October 11 (KUNA) -- Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh said on Sunday that the decision to postpone the elections was taken in the context of a “collective conviction,” noting that Palestinian factions and forces welcomed this move amid the prevailing circumstances. A statement issued from Sheikh’s office said this came during his meeting in Ramallah with German State Minister for Foreign Affairs Gisa Andreas von Gierke and his accompanying delegation.

During the meeting, Sheikh outlined the ongoing measures by the Israeli occupation authorities in the Palestinian territories, including the daily terrorism by settlers, settlement expansion, checkpoints, and the detention and confiscation of Palestinian funds, as well as the impact of these policies on economic and living conditions, alongside the challenges facing the health and education sectors and the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

Sheikh expressed appreciation for German positions supporting the Palestinian people and the efforts Germany is making to support security and stability in the region and to achieve a two-state solution, emphasizing pride in the partnership with European countries in supporting the domestic reform process and strengthening Palestinian state institutions.

The statement noted that the German State Minister for Foreign Affairs reiterated his country’s continued support for the Palestinian people, for reform efforts, and for enhancing security and stability, stressing the importance of holding elections and supporting the two-state solution. He expressed Germany’s concern over Israeli measures and settlement projects, and affirmed the continuation of support for the Palestinian people.

It is recalled that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a presidential decree on Saturday postponing the legislative elections, originally scheduled for November 28, to be held concurrently with the presidential elections on September 11 of next year, as stipulated in the decree.

The postponement came from the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization following consultations among Palestinian forces and factions, which reached a national consensus on postponement due to Israeli measures and the need to prepare political, security, and field conditions to ensure free, fair, and comprehensive elections, according to the decree. (End) N.Q./G.A.