On 9 November 2015, Mr Rossier was received by the Deputy Director-General of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Alon Ushpiz. The political consultations covered various challenges in the Middle East conflict, including the recent escalation of violence between Israelis and Palestinians, the dwindling hope among the two peoples for peace as well as the situation in Gaza. Mr Rossier identified consistent compliance with international law, especially international humanitarian law and human rights, as one of the preconditions for a just and lasting peace in the region. In addition, the interlocutors discussed various possibilities to deepen bilateral relations and also spoke about current developments in the region, especially about Syria and Iran.
Further political dialogue yesterday in Ramallah focused on the very tense situation in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem, and the international efforts to resume the peace process. Mr Rossier and the Palestinian Deputy Foreign Minister, Tayser Farahat, also agreed on concrete measures to strengthen relations between Switzerland and the Palestinian National Authority. Another topic of discussion was inner-Palestinian reconciliation, and the challenges this is presenting. This matter was also discussed during Mr Rossier's courtesy visits to the Prime Minister, Rami Hamdallah, to the Foreign Minister, Riad Malki, and head of the Palestinian Intelligence Service, Majed Faraj. Mr Rossier identified Palestinian reconciliation as essential for an independent, viable, coherent and democratic Palestinian state and stressed the importance of free and fair elections in the near future. Switzerland remained determined, he said, to participate in these efforts.
In addition to the governmental-level talks, Mr Rossier met the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov, Swiss partner organisations and civil society actors from Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. In Bethlehem Mr Rossier visited the Aida Palestinian refugee camp. He also had an in-depth discussion on the subject of the Arab minority in Israel with the mayors of Haifa and Nazareth, and with Ayman Odeh, a member of the Knesset and head of the "Joint List".
Mr Rossier's five-day Middle East trip is part of Switzerland's commitment to stability in Europe's wider neighbourhood. Switzerland's commitment to humanitarian aid, development and peace activities in the Middle East amounts to CHF 35 million per year. Mr Rossier called on both sides to comply with their obligations with respect to international law and work with the international community to resume the peace negotiations.
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