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29 Nov, 2014

European Socialists and Democrats Welcome Initiatives of National Parliaments to Recognize State of Palestine

BRUSSELS, November 27, 2014 (WAFA) – European Socialists and Democrats (S&D) member of parliament (MEP) and vice-president for foreign affairs Victor Boştinaru welcomed the initiatives of national parliaments to recognize the Palestinian state, stressing that, “This recognition and the negotiations must go hand in hand because together they represent a challenge and an opportunity but also a step forward towards a solution.”

He stressed, in press release on Wednesday, the need “to go beyond simple recognition. The consolidation and the viability of a Palestinian state require a common strategy and financial and logistical aid – from the European Union, from other international partners and from Israel itself.”

‘The European Union should play an essential role and together with other relevant regional players should help re-launch the peace process and ensure stability across the region. Only a sustainable agreement and reciprocal recognition can guarantee the right to peace and security for both sides,” added MEP Boştinaru.

‘Therefore, we support Federica Mogherini, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs, in her recent efforts and in the framing of a concrete European strategy for the Middle East,” he added.

The (S&D) called on all EU member states to recognize the state of Palestine, underlining that this is absolutely in line with the decision taken by the United Nations General Assembly on 29 November 2012, stated the release.

Following debate held on Wednesday in the European Parliament on the recognition of Palestine statehood, Gianni Pittella, the president of the Socialists and Democrats Group, said, ‘We believe that the only way to find a lasting solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine is through the two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as capital of both states. In this way, the state of Israel could live in peace and security alongside an independent, democratic and viable state of Palestine.”

‘The S&D Group is deeply concerned by the stalemate in the dialogue and the mounting tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, and we condemn in the strongest terms all acts of terrorism or violence against innocent Israeli and Palestinian citizens,” he added.

‘We reiterate our strong commitment to the security of the state of Israel but at the same time we call on Israel to stop any settlement construction and extension activities in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem.’

‘The S&D Group reminds fellow Members of European Parliament (MEP) from all political groups that the Parliament decided in plenary that a resolution to recognize Palestine’s statehood would be adopted next plenary session. The S&D Group expects the other groups to honor their commitments to this decision,’ said Pittella.