(Reuters) – Spain, Ireland and other European Union member countries plan to recognise a Palestinian state on May 21, the EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said late on Thursday ahead of an expected
U.N. vote on Friday on a Palestinian bid to become a full member.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in March that Spain and Ireland, along with Slovenia and Malta, had agreed to take the first steps
towards recognition of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, seeing a two-state solution as essential for lasting peace.
Asked on local Spanish radio station RNE if May 21 was when Spain, Ireland and other EU countries would recognise a Palestinian state, Borrell said yes, mentioning Slovenia as well.
“This is a symbolic act of a political nature. More than a state, it recognises the will for that state to exist,” he said, adding that Belgium and other countries would probably follow.
Previously, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares had said the decision on recognition had been made, although he did not give a date.
International calls for a ceasefire and permanent end to Palestinian-Israeli conflict have grown along with the death toll from Israel’s offensive in
Gaza to rout out Hamas after the militants’ deadly cross-border attack on Oct. 7.
Israel has said plans for Palestinian recognition constitute a “prize for terrorism” that would reduce the chances of a negotiated resolution to the Gaza conflict.
On Friday the United Nations General Assembly is set to back a Palestinian bid to become a full U.N. member by recognising it as qualified to join and sending the application back to the U.N. Security Council to “reconsider the matter favourably.”
Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell on the vote at the UN General Assembly on the Palestinian Membership
The European Union acknowledges the result of today’s momentous vote at the UN General Assembly concerning Palestinian application for membership of the United Nations where a majority of States voted in favour.
Palestine has received unequivocal support to have its permanent observer status augmented with additional rights and privileges.
The EU recalls its longstanding commitment to a just and comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the two-state solution, with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign, and viable State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security and mutual recognition, and with Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both states. The EU will continue its strong support to Palestinian state building, and strengthening Palestinian institutions and their capacity in preparation for future statehood.
It is vital to restore a political horizon towards a two-state solution. The EU stands ready to work with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and regional and international parties toward this goal.
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