EU states working to recognise Palestinian state
Several EU states are working towards recognising a Palestinian state by the end of May, according to Al Arabiya English on April 29th.
In late January, the EU rehashed its position on recognising Palestinian statehood as a necessary step towards halting the conflict in the Middle East. Nevertheless, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, firmly reaffirmed Israel’s stance on the matter, rejecting the possibility of recognising Palestine sovereignty.
“I think it’s disappointing to hear Benjamin Netanyahu saying he doesn’t believe in a two-state solution,” stated UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, “In fairness, he’s said that all of his political career, as far as I can tell. I don’t think we get to a solution unless we have a two-state solution,” he added.
In March, Spain, Ireland, Malta and Slovenia declared they would actively work to establish a Palestinian state.
On April 10th, Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez called for the recognition of Palestinian sovereignty as well as a permanent halt to the violence in the Strip and an opening of humanitarian corridors.
Sanchez later declared he was embarking on a European tour to discuss the two-state solution with other heads of state. However, Portuguese PM Luis Montenegro stated his country was not yet prepared for such a solution and that it would wait for the EU and UN to agree on the matter.
Slovenian PM Robert Golob, on the other hand, declared that his country would vote in favour of Palestinian full membership in the UN, where it is currently a non-observer member.
In response to the four countries’ initiative, Israel warned the EU that the proposal would be akin to a “prize for terrorism”, further complicating the negotiations in the conflict.
Al Arabiya English and agencies
