Member of the PLO Executive Committee and Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, Dr. Ramzi Khouri conducted several meetings with Church leaders and officials, during official visit to Finland. Among those met were Archbishop of Finland, Tapio Luoma; Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen; head of the Finnish Parliamentary Friendship Committee with Palestine, Veronika Honkasalo; CEO of Finn Church Aid Tomi Jarvinen; and representative from Felm, Tero Norjanen. The meetings aimed to rally church and international support for the Palestinian cause.
Khouri expressed gratitude for the Church of Finland’s support of the Palestinian people, particularly in the fields of education, civil society, and hospitals in East Jerusalem, as these efforts bolster the Palestinian people’s resilience in Jerusalem.
He warned of the severe repercussions of the deteriorating situation of Palestinian Christians, highlighting the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza and the hardships faced by Palestinians in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem. He highlighted the increasing attacks on Muslim and Christian holy sites and the restrictions on religious freedom.
Khouri called for immediate action to stop the Israeli perpetrated genocide in Gaza, allow the flow of relief aid, and take serious steps towards a peaceful solution on the basis of international legitimacy. This included implementing the two-state solution, ending the Israeli occupation, and lifting the oppression of the Palestinian people.
“We urge Finland will take a stand, as Spain, Norway, and Ireland, and recognize the State of Palestine. This is a crucial step towards achieving a just peace and ensuring security and stability in the region.” Khouri added.
Khouri was accompanied by members of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, Amira Hanania and Dr. Omar Awadallah, and Palestine’s ambassador to Finland, Tayseer al-Ajouri.
