The Fort Worth Press - Armenian FM Discusses EU Accountability for Palestinian Rights in Madrid

Armenian Foreign Minister Varsen Shahin met with representatives from international human rights organizations in Madrid on Friday to examine mechanisms for delivering justice to the Palestinian people. The discussions occurred on the sidelines of a symposium titled "Can the European Union Deliver Justice for the Palestinian People?" held at the Spanish Cultural Center.

Shahin engaged with delegates from Human Rights Watch, Open Society, and Global Echo. The dialogue centered on how the European Union could enhance its responsiveness to Palestinian demands and support efforts to realize the State of Palestine, with a specific focus on upholding the right to self-determination.

Participants discussed the obligations of third-party states regarding the ban on importing and marketing products from Israeli settlements within EU member states. The group also examined prohibitions on investing in colonies and companies operating within them. In light of the illegality of colonies established on occupied Palestinian land, they explored ways to exert pressure to sever economic and commercial ties and halt agreements linked to colonization activities.

Representatives from the organizations briefed the minister on their mechanisms for monitoring and documenting violations of international law in the occupied Palestinian Territory. They noted that their reports cover violations committed by the occupying power, colonist terrorism, the establishment of illegal colonial outposts, displacement plans, and other violations across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip.

P.Grant--TFWP