In a meeting held on the occasion of the second edition of the Diplomatic Forum in Antalya, Turkey, Maliki explained to his counterpart the challenges faced by the Palestinian people in the face of increased attacks by the Israeli army and settlers, according to the official Wafa news agency.

He also denounced Tel Aviv’s refusal to seek a peaceful solution to the dispute and accused the government of promoting its expansionist policy in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

He also explained the financial crisis faced by the Executive due to Israel’s decision to withhold millions of dollars collected by way of taxes on behalf of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA).

That country decided to stop the monetary flow in retaliation for the PNA’s policy of providing economic aid to Palestinians imprisoned, killed and wounded by the forces of the Jewish State. The stipend also includes their families. For his part, Plasencia reiterated Venezuela’s support for the creation of a Palestinian State and demanded an end to the Israeli occupation, Wafa pointed out.

According to the source, both officials agreed on strengthening Palestinian relations with Latin American and Caribbean countries to favor the cause of that people.

pgh/arm/jf/rob