TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada announced the creation of a new International Peace Fund on Thursday, June 11, aimed at supporting efforts toward a two-state solution between Palestine and Israel.
“Today, we the Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada are pleased to announce that we will establish a new International Peace Fund for Israelis and Palestinians, a multi-donor initiative to support peacebuilding efforts to establish the conditions for a lasting peace," the trilateral joint statement published on the Canadian government website read.
The announcement came as UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper hosted her Australian and Canadian counterparts, Penny Wong and Anita Anand, for high-level talks at Chevening. Their agenda covered the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the drive for peace in the Middle East, conflict resolution in Ukraine and Sudan, and the global crisis of violence against women and girls.
In their joint statement, the three nations noted that the multi-donor fund will primarily support grassroots projects designed to advance the necessary conditions for a negotiated two-state solution. This initiative is intended to complement ongoing diplomatic, humanitarian, and development efforts by backing organizations that actively promote peacebuilding and mutual understanding.
Furthermore, the three countries reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to a negotiated two-state solution, describing it as the only viable path to achieving lasting regional peace.
"Peace, justice and security in the Middle East depends on a two-state solution and it is why our countries have recognised the State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel," British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said in the statement published by the UK government.
"But too often Middle East peace is seen as an issue only of international diplomacy. When generations of Israelis and Palestinians have grown up with cycles of conflict and violence, we also need to support the local community organisations who are building dialogue, peace and trust across communities."
To back this mission, the UK, Australia, and Canada will each inject initial funding equivalent to £1 million (US$1.3 million) spread over three years. The fund will also be open to additional financial contributions from international partners committed to advancing the peace process.
“We call on our international partners to support this initiative and invest in the long-term foundations of peace. We also urge all parties to the conflict to take steps to reduce tensions, protect civilians, including humanitarian workers, and uphold international law," the statement added.
Antara contributed to this article
Read: Amnesty: Israel Expelling Bedouins from West Bank
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