Israel has obtained observer status at the African Union (AU), which it has been demanding for years, AFP learned Thursday (July 22) from both parties.
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Israeli Ambassador Aleli Admasu presented his credentials to AU Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat on Thursday, according to statements from the Pan-African organization and Israeli diplomacy.
"
This corrects an anomaly which has lasted for nearly two decades and represents an important part of strengthening Israel's foreign relations
," Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said in a statement.
Palestine already observer at the AU
Israel maintains relations with 46 African countries "
and has large-scale partnerships and cooperation in many areas, including trade and aid,
" according to the text. Israel had this observer status within the Organization of African Unity (OAU) until its transformation into the African Union in 2002. Palestine already enjoys this observer status at the AU, where it counts. significant support, especially in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In May, Moussa Faki had "
strongly condemned
" the
Israeli
"
bombings
" in the Gaza Strip as well as "
the actions of the Israeli army, including the illegal, continuous and forcible evictions of Palestinians from their homes in Jerusalem- Is (...) in flagrant violation of international law
”. In his press release Thursday, the President of the Commission underlines that the AU "
has been very clear on its position according to which, in the question of Palestine and Israel, a two-state solution is necessary for peaceful coexistence
".