In an interview ahead of the implementation of the International Conference in Support of the Palestinian Intifada, organized by the government of Islamic Republic of Iran in Tehran on Feb 21 and 22, 2017, Mahfuz appreciated the initiative of the Iranian government towards its efforts to encourage political and diplomatic settlement of the Palestinian issue and the independence of Palestine.
However, he admitted that all efforts to resolve the Palestinian issue today are still constrained by two matters.
"First, there are differences in the political perception and interests in the Middle East region. These differences hinder the establishment of a solid stance in resolving the Palestinian issues," Mahfuz told ANTARA.
Therefore, he expressed hope that all Arab states would attend the conference to show their unity towards political perceptions and interests in the Middle East region.
"The second obstacle is that all the agreements, including the resolution produced at the meetings, and initiatives have not produced concrete solutions," Mahfuz noted.
He explained that the Extraordinary Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif in Jakarta in 2016 had not resulted in concrete actions.
"It must be a common concern that Palestinians need not only resolutions but also solid and real actions, and I think this is the biggest challenge. Are we able to demonstrate a common stance or not?", he said.
Meanwhile, an official of Public Diplomacy at the Iranian Embassy in Jakarta, Ali Pahlevani Rad, noted recently that the conference organized by the Iranian Parliament will be attended by several members of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD).
A member of the Indonesian Parliament is expected to be a speaker at the conference, which will also be attended by representatives of the Palestinian political party Hamas.
According to IRNA news agency, the conference will be attended by 80 foreign delegations from various countries of the world, 700 foreign guests, and representatives of pro-Palestinian organizations.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
