Erekat: Ending occupation is way to security, peace in region

PLO Executive Committee member Saeb Erekat Monday said that security, peace, stability and democracy in the Middle East is in ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent State of Palestine on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. He added in a statement issued after meeting with US Consul General in Jerusalem Michael Ratney and with other foreign delegations that ending the occupation and establishing the Palestinian state is also the solution to all final status issues, mainly refugees, Jerusalem, security, settlements, borders, water and prisoners based on United Nations resolutions. Erekat stressed that Israeli occupation, settlement activities and attempts to impose facts on the ground, particularly in East Jerusalem, are the real danger that threatens security, stability and peace in the region.