Anderson holds 'very useful and constuctive' meeting with Palestinian President Abbas

Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson has described a meeting  with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (pictured above) as “very useful and constructive” in Brussels. 

Speaking after the meeting in Brussels Ms Anderson, the chairperson of the European Parliament's delegation to the Palestinian Legislative Council, said the meeting was to discuss the “latest situation” in Palestine. 

She added: "We discussed the ongoing impact of the Israeli occupation and the unwillingness of some in the international community to address the consequences of the onslaught on Gaza last summer. 

"The international community has a key role to play in supporting the Palestinian people and holding Israel to account for its breaches of human rights legislation. 

"President Abbas also gave me an update on the latest developments in Palestine's bid for full membership of the International Criminal Court. 

"We also discussed the release of Palestinian political prisoners, which is a major issue in efforts towards securing a lasting peace in the region. I was in Ramallah with President Abbas in October 2013 when Palestinian prisoners were released and that needs to be repeated.”

Ms Anderson concluded: "Sinn Féin will continue to support the Palestinian people in their campaign for statehood, justice and human rights."