German FM Maas Prioritizes Preventing West Bank Areas Annexation

By Staff, Agencies

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas reaffirmed Europe's opposition to the Zionist entity’s plans to apply its ‘sovereignty’ to a number of West Bank areas during a Wednesday visit to Jordan.

A joint statement issued by Maas, his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh stated that "an annexation would be contrary to international law and that it is now a matter of priority to prevent it."

Shtayyeh was not present at the talks, instead joining the two leaders through a video-link.

"We are very worried about the repercussions of the annexation decision," Maas said during a joint press conference with Safadi, adding that Europe opposed any unilateral steps.

Maas headed to the Jordanian capital of Amman after his visit to the ‘Israeli’-occupied territories, where he met Zionist Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi as well as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and War Minister Benny Gantz.

During the talks in the occupied territories, Maas stressed that Germany was concerned with the ‘Israeli’ entity’s plans for the West Bank and that it views annexation as "incompatible" with international laws.