In Ramallah, the delegation met with the Speaker of PLC, Mr. Rafik Natsheh, as well as some members of PLC. In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussions were held with Ms. Samia Bamieh, Director General of Europe Department. That was followed by a briefing of PLO Negotiations Support Unit, Mr. Michael Tarazi, on issues related to peace negotiations and latest developments regarding the separation barrier. The Finnish Delegation continued then to Qalqilya to witness the impact of the wall and meeting with the Mayor Mr. Ma’rouf Zahran.

On Thursday January 22, the Parliamentarians visited Gaza, where they entered in Rafah the area where 50 houses were demolished by IDF two days earlier. The visit was organized by UNRWA. The delegation met also with Gaza PLC members.

January 23 started off with a seminar conducted byDr. Mahdi Abdul Hadi, PASSIA, discussing issues related to terrorism and extremism. After that the delegation continued to Bethlehem visiting the Ad Dar Cultural and Conference Center,which is financed by the Finnish Government. In Bethlehem the group met also with Minister Salah Tamari and Mayor Hanna Nasser. They had also a guided tour to the Church of Nativity.

The tour, which started in Egypt and Israel, continued to Jordan. Before leaving, the delegation experienced some summer moments in Jericho.

The Parliamentarians regarded their visit a very important eye opening experience giving them a fresh prespective to the very complicated situation in the region.