 "Macron, Abbas launch joint committee to draft Palestinian constitution")
President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday announced that France and Palestine will establish a joint committee to work on drafting a Palestinian constitution.
“Together, we decided to establish a joint committee for the consolidation of the state of Palestine,” AFP quoted Macron as saying after meeting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
He added that the committee would “contribute to drawing up a new constitution, a draft of which President Abbas presented to me.”
In a joint statement, Abbas thanked France for its formal recognition of a Palestinian state, calling it a “historic turning point” and “a message of hope to a people struggling for freedom and independence.”
He reaffirmed the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) commitment to establishing a democratic, demilitarised state encompassing Gaza and expressed readiness to work with US President Donald Trump and international partners to advance peace efforts.
Abbas reiterated plans for internal reforms, including presidential and parliamentary elections, and said the PA is close to completing a draft interim constitution along with related electoral legislation.
According to the Palestinian news agency WAFA, Macron and Abbas discussed bilateral cooperation and stabilising Gaza.
Talks covered reinforcing the ceasefire, facilitating humanitarian aid, securing the release of hostages and prisoners, completing Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, advancing reconstruction, and preventing displacement or annexation. The leaders also discussed steps toward ending the conflict and establishing a viable Palestinian state.
During his visit, Abbas thanked Macron for France’s “courageous positions” and noted that 160 countries now recognise Palestinian statehood. He reaffirmed his commitment to reforms outlined in a letter to Macron, including holding elections within one year of the war’s end.
Quick Reads
View AllAbbas condemned the killing and kidnapping of civilians, including Hamas’ October 7 attacks, and spoke out against antisemitism, calling it contrary to Palestinian principles.
He emphasised that Palestinians seek a democratic, demilitarised state governed by law, transparency, justice, and pluralism, with peaceful transfers of power.
Abbas urged countries that have not yet recognised Palestine to do so and highlighted that the State of Palestine formally recognises Israel.
With inputs from agencies
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