The French government awarded the Palestine Liberation Organization’s (PLO) Executive Committee Member, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, the “Chevalier de la Legion D’honneur” (Knight of the Legion of Honor) award.

Ashrawi was informed of the decision by the French Consul, General Herv Magro, during a meeting Ramallah on Friday.

The Legion of Honor is the highest French order for military and civil merits, with ‘knight’ being the highest distinction. Though usually reserved for French citizens, the honor is also awarded to foreign nationals whom the French government deems to have served France or the ideals it upholds.

France to Award PLO's Hanan Ashrawi “Chevalier de la Légion D'honneur” (Knight of the Legion of Honor) pic.twitter.com/NziO2FZbld

— Jim Clancy (@ClancyReports) August 18, 2016

An official ceremony to award Ashrawi is set to take place next month in Ramallah City.Ashrawi reportedly expressed gratitude and appreciation, saying that it was an honor for her and for Palestinians, as it reflects the faith of the French government and people in the justice of the Palestinian cause and Palestinians’ rights to live in peace.

According to Palestinian media, Magro and Ashrawi discussed the latest political developments regarding Israeli-palestinian peace talks, and “Israeli violations of the international and humanitarian Law.”

During the meeting, the two also discussed the role of the European Union at this stage in peace efforts, and the necessary future steps to make a success out of the French initiative.

I added a video to a @YouTube playlist https://t.co/uEoYcKcpHe Ashrawi: Process in Peacemaking

— Kroc School (@krocschool) June 24, 2016

Ashrawi also welcomed the Italian Consul General Davide La Cecilia to the meeting, and applauded his role in boosting Italian-Palestinian relations.

She had also met with the British Deputy Consul General James Downer, and called upon Britain to act responsibly towards the Palestinian people as the 100th anniversary of the Balfour declaration approaches.

(MA’AN, PC)