Palestine says it will cut diplomatic ties with US if Washington closes its PLO office

The government of Palestine yesterday issued a warning to the US stating that it will cut diplomatic ties if threats to close down its PLO office in Washington is carried out.

In a video on Twitter, PLO Secretary General Saeb Erekat called the move “unacceptable” even as US officials say the PLO could be breaking a legal condition for it to operate in the US.

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A state department official cited “certain statements made by Palestinian leaders” about the International Criminal Court (ICC) as the reason behind the State Department’s refusal to reissue a six-monthly operating licence for Palestinian PLO office in Washington.

Opened in 1994, the PLO, is seen by the international community as representing all Palestinians but the US is threatening to close it down after warning that Palestinian authorities must not pressure the International Criminal Court to investigate Israelis.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, two months ago on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate and prosecute Israeli officials over “involvement in settlement activities and aggressions against our people”.

 

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