PLO Executive Committee Member Dr. Hanan Ashrawi welcomed the election of Emmanuel Macron as President of France and hopes the President-elect seizes this historic opportunity to support peace and recognize the State of Palestine.

Dr. Ashrawi in a statement said that Emmanuel Macron’s election is a win for the people of France and the principles of openness and tolerance against populism and seclusion.

“With this vote, France reaffirms its role as a member of the European Union and the values this community of nations represents.”

“We hope under the Presidency of Emmanuel Macron, France will continue to support the Palestinian people and fight for peace, justice and stability in the region. We call on France to follow through with its promise to recognize the State of Palestine and build on the international peace conference it hosted this year to find a just solution based on international law. As a country that stands for liberty, equality and fraternity, we hope that France can work with the European Union and the international community to end the occupation that has oppressed a people for 50 years and champion the Palestinian right to self-determination,” she concluded.