EU throws support behind beleaguered UN Mideast peace envoy


Amid anger over Gaza mediation efforts, PLO is boycotting Nikolay Mladenov for ‘stepping outside’ his role, and PA’s PM refused to meet him

UN Special Coordinator Nikolay Mladenov

Adam Rasgon writes in Times of Israel, “The European Union on Sunday gave its backing to under-fire United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nikolay Mladenov, who has been sharply criticized in recent days by the Ramallah-based Palestinian leadership for his efforts broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. “The cycle of violence leads only to more violence and deprives entire generations from the legitimate aspiration to live in peace and free to build their own future. Only a political solution can put an end to the violence,” an EU statement said on continued violence in the Gaza Strip.”

“In this context, the European Union strongly appreciates and fully supports the efforts of the United Nation’s Special Coordinator who has been working closely together with all parties and with the international community to get a political process going again in Gaza,” it said “In this context, the European Union strongly appreciates and fully supports the efforts of the United Nation’s Special Coordinator who has been working closely together with all parties and with the international community to get a political process going again in Gaza,” it said.”

Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, right, and United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov meet at PA office

“Amid the Palestinian leadership’s displeasure with Mladenov, a senior Palestine Liberation Organization official said on Sunday that Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah refused to welcome Mladenov to his office last week. “Mladenov has stepped outside of his role, which is to work on the peace process, not making peace between Hamas and Israel’” he said. ‘We will still work with other UN officials, but we will not meet with Mladenov or his office. The problem is specifically with him.’…UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Friday defended Mladenov, with his spokesperson Farhan Haq saying he ‘fully supports’ the Mideast peace envoy’s ‘tireless’ efforts and expressing hope that a political breakthrough will be achieved, the Chinese news agency Xinhua reported.  Mladenov, alongside Egypt, has recently played a key role in attempting to mediate a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.”

“Earlier this month, a high-ranking Fatah official accused Mladenov of working on behalf of US President Donald Trump’s administration and intervening in internal Palestinian affairs. The PA has been boycotting the Trump administration since it recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital last December.” (more…)

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