Saudi FM tells UN regional stability hinges on 'Palestinian state'
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The Saudi Foreign Minister avoids mentioning "Israel" or the normalization efforts during his address amid calls for a Palestinian state.
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Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Farhan Al-Saud addresses the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, at United Nations headquarters. (AP)
The Saudi Foreign Minister told the UN General Assembly that a solution for the Palestinians must be found quickly for the "sake of Middle East security," The Times of Israel reported.
During his address, Faisal bin Farhan said that "the stability of the region rests on a just and comprehensive solution for the Palestinian cause… and the establishment of a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with East Al-Quds as its capital."
The declaration comes as speculation grows over a potential normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and "Israel," with Riyadh reportedly demanding "Israeli concessions to Palestinians."
Read next: Saudi Arabia halts normalization talks with 'Israel': Reports
Bin Farhan states that his country "rejects and condemns all unilateral steps that constitute a blatant violation of international laws, contribute to the collapse of regional and international peace efforts, and obstruct the path of diplomatic solutions."
It is worth mentioning, however, that he doesn’t directly mention "Israel" or the normalization efforts during his address.
Is Saudi-Israeli normalization close?
Two days earlier, Israeli occupation Foreign Minister Eli Cohen pointed out that details of the Israeli-Saudi agreement to normalize ties could be finalized in four or five months' time.
"Existing differences can be overcome. It will take time, but there is progress. I think there is certainly a possibility that in the first quarter of 2024, four or five months from now, that is, there will be a moment when we can finally negotiate all the details," Cohen said in an interview for the Israeli occupation army radio.
The Israeli Minister's statements came shortly after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman admitted that Saudi Arabia was getting closer to normalizing ties with the Israeli occupation in an interview for Fox News.
"Every day we get closer," Bin Salman said when asked to describe the discussions focused on normalizing diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and "Israel".
Responding to a question on the requirements of a normalization deal, the de facto Saudi leader claimed that "the Palestinian issue is very important. We need to solve that part," adding that there had been "good negotiations" so far.
He continued, "We got to see where we go. We hope that will reach a place, that it will ease the life of the Palestinians, get Israel as a player in the Middle East."
