Macron calls on Abbas to reform PA in exchange for recognition

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
30 May 2024 08:52
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France is offering the PA recognition in exchange for reforms, a statement released by the Elysee Palace said.

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French President Emmanuel Macron, left, talks to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in Ramallah, West Bank, Palestine, on October 24, 2023. (AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron has urged the head of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, to reform the government in order to guarantee recognition for Palestine from Paris.

Macron held a phone call with Abbas on Wednesday after he had said that France is still waiting for the "useful moment" to recognize the Palestinian state.

According to his office, the President asked Abbas to "implement necessary reforms," offering the "prospect of recognition of the state of Palestine."

"[The President] highlighted France's commitment to building a common vision of peace with European and Arab partners, offering security guarantees for Palestinians and Israelis," the office added.

Moreover, the Elysee Palace reiterated that Paris would only recognize the state of Palestine as part of an unspecified "useful process."

It said that the country supports "a reformed and strengthened Palestinian Authority, able to carry out its responsibilities throughout the Palestinian territories, including in the Gaza Strip, for the benefit of the Palestinian people."

Abbas intent on reforming PA

On the other hand, Abbas told the French president that his government is committed to reform, adding that "European countries that have not recognized the state of Palestine" should do so.

In late February, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh's government, ushering in a new government headed by Mohammad Mustafa.

Abbas' PA promised to complete a list of administrative reforms requested by Western governments, including the United States.

However, the PA's performance in the occupied West Bank has been weaponized by Western governments as an excuse to deny Palestinians their right to statehood. In fact, the last time the PA held legislative elections was in 2006, which ended in a Hamas victory. Western and Israeli pressure dismantled the Hamas-led government despite the popular Palestinian support that it had garnered.

Now, European countries, namely France and Denmark, are referring to the Authority's performance as justification for not recognizing the Palestinian state.