Merkel underscores support for 2 states in talks with Abbas

29 August 2019, 3:23 pm

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Chancellor Angela Merkel says Germany continues to believe a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinian is the only way for both peoples “to live in peace and security.”

Merkel stresses her support for a two-state solution ahead of talks Thursday with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas at the Chancellery in Berlin.

Abbas says, “we appreciate Chancellor Merkel’s efforts to create multilateral cooperation aside from unilateral solutions to create stability and peace in the world.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, left, address the media during a joint statement prior to a meeting at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany on Aug. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

He stresses the importance of Germany’s role in the Middle East and thanked the country for its financial support for Palestinians’ health services, education and the strengthening of civil society.

Germany is one of the biggest donors to the Palestinians having given them some 110 million euros ($121.8 million) in 2018.

— AP