WEST BANK (Dispatches) – Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh has expressed concern if U.S. President Donald Trump were to be re-elected into office in November, according to the Jerusalem Post, although many analysts believe there is no substantial difference between U.S. Democratic and Republican presidents’ policies when it comes to Palestine.
"The election is very important. God help us, the EU and the whole world if there are four more years of Trump,” he told the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.
"Trump has wasted four years of everyone’s time,” he added, referring to the U.S. administration’s so-called Middle East ‘peace plan’.
"The ultimate deal was not delivered. Trump’s plan was rejected by the Palestinians, the Arabs and Europe…The U.S. is just too biased.”
Speaking before 80 representatives of different countries and parties in Europe, Shtayyeh urged the European Union to play an effective role in any future political process.
Calling for recognition of Palestine as an independent state, he said: "It is necessary to break the status quo that the Palestinian cause is passing through because of the Israeli occupation measures.”
During the meeting, he also called on Europe "to end the American monopoly of sponsoring the Middle East process through an international conference for peace in which all parties participate.”
"Any political process must depend on ending the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories … under international law and United Nations resolutions,” added Shtayyeh.
Pointing out the Palestinian leadership’s steps to "bring back democracy to life”, including preparing for elections, he reiterated the country’s readiness to engage in any "serious negotiations” based on international law and United Nations resolutions.
"We are the party to benefit most from any serious negotiations,” he stressed.