Arab League condemns new Israeli referendum law

Arab League condemns new Israeli referendum law

2010-11-25 03:52:15 GMT+7 (ICT)

CAIRO, EGYPT (BNO NEWS) -- The Arab League on Wednesday condemned the new Israel’s new law which mandates a referendum ahead of any withdrawal from the east Jerusalem of the Golan Heights, the Israeli-occupied territories.

"Israel continues to place obstacle after obstacle to harm efforts to renew the peace process," said Ahmed Hali, Deputy Arab League chief. "The new law illustrates the aggressive character of the Israeli government and its disregard for international law."

Hali also called for the international community to intervene and force Israel to abide by international law. On Tuesday, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the law too and said it was an obstacle to achieve peace in the region.

"This law is aimed at placing obstacles in front of a peace settlement," Abbas declared in Ramallah. "The Israelis are telling the world that they won’t withdraw from Jerusalem and the Golan."

The criticized law was passed on Monday by the Israel’s Knesset. The law specifies that a two-third parliamentary majority is needed to hand over land to Palestinians in east Jerusalem or in the Golan Heights in Syria. If the majority is not achieved, the withdrawal will be subjected to a referendum.

Syria also condemned the new law as the international community considers east Jerusalem and Golan Heights as occupied territories. The Syrian Foreign Ministry said that it considers the National Referendum Law as a mockery of international law.

"The law is designed for those still under the illusion that the Israeli government is interested in peace," the Syrian Foreign Ministry said.

Israel captured the West Bank, including East al-Quds, from Jordan and the Golan Heights from Syria during the Six-Day War in 1967. It later annexed East al-Quds and the Golan Heights in 1981 in a move not recognized internationally.

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