RAMALLAH, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat on Monday accused Israel of seeking a de facto recognition of its illegal annexation of East Jerusalem by hosting the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) conference in the city.
Erekat said in a press statement emailed to reporters that the Palestinians thanked the countries that have decided to withdraw their attendance to the OECD Tourism Committee Summit to be held in Jerusalem on Oct. 20.
"Israeli control over Jerusalem is illegal and the (UN) Security Council has been clear on calling all member states not to recognize Israeli claims over the Holy city," said Erekat.
He added that "by hosting the OECD conference in Jerusalem, Israel seeks de facto recognition of its illegal annexation of East Jerusalem. Many countries have sent Israel a clear message that it is not a state above the law."
The Palestinian official noted that Israeli Minister of Tourism Stas Misezhnikov exposed Israel's desire to use the OECD conference to solidify its illegal actions when he characterized the conference convening as "declaration of intent and a seal of approval on the fact that we have a state whose recognized capital is Jerusalem."
"The OECD is a widely respected organization. Its member states are considered role models for the international community. Israel 's actions in the occupied Palestinian territory, included East Jerusalem, completely contradict the values of the organization," said Erekat.
He added that holding this conference in Jerusalem "creates the perception that the OECD is complicit with Israel's provocative and unlawful actions in this occupied city."
Israel occupied East Jerusalem as well as the West Bank and the Gaza Strip during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. In 2005, Israel completely withdrew from the Gaza Strip, ruled now by Hamas movement, but imposed on it a tight blockade.
Erekat called on the OECD member states which have indicated to participate in the conference, despite Israeli polices and statements, "to cancel their participation and to publicly repudiate illegal Israeli actions, including the unilateral annexation of occupied East Jerusalem."
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