Spain says 'clear' signs Europe ready to recognize Palestinian state
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On March 22, Spain, Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia released a declaration on the margins of an EU leader's conference, indicating they were "ready to recognize Palestine" when "the circumstances are right".
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Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez addresses parliament at the Spanish lower house, Congress of Deputies, in Madrid on April 10, 2024.(AFP)
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated Friday that there were "clear signs" in Europe that regional nations were willing to recognize a Palestinian state.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, who met with Sanchez, said that Norway is prepared to recognize a Palestinian state with other nations.
Store told reporters during a joint press conference that "Norway stands ready to recognize the state of Palestine," adding that such a choice would need tight consultation with "like-minded countries".
"We have not set a firm timetable," the Norwegian leader stated.
On his part, Sanchez explained that Spain was "committed to recognizing Palestine as a state, as soon as possible, when the conditions are appropriate, and in a way that can have the most positive impact to the peace process."
Read more: Spanish left urges break of ties with 'Israel', renege on NATO pledge
On March 22, Spain, Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia released a declaration on the margins of an EU leader's conference, indicating they were "ready to recognize Palestine" when "the circumstances are right."
Sanchez emphasized that Europe's geopolitical interests are served by acknowledging a Palestinian state, a move that has faced resistance from "Israel" and its main allies.
During a recent trip to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, Sanchez broached the topic of statehood, suggesting that Spain might formally recognize Palestine as a nation by the conclusion of June.
Store said on Friday that he supported Sanchez's attempt to speak with other nations to "strengthen coordination".
Irish, Spanish PMs to meet; Palestine nation state plan on the table
The new Irish Taoiseach, Simon Harris, is set to meet with Sanchez, to discuss their joint plan to recognize Palestine as a nation state and their plans to force the European Union (RU) to assess "Israel's" human rights obligations.
The Israeli government's violation of human rights should cost the occupation its association agreement with the EU, which is an all-encompassing trade agreement between the bloc and the Israeli regime. Harris and Sanchez will look to enforce a clause that obliges the EU to suspend the agreement with entities that violate human rights law, which "Israel" has been blatantly doing since it launched its genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.
Sanchez will arrive in Dublin on Friday, marking the first visit of a foreign Prime Minister to Harris since he took over the Irish government this week.
Spain and Ireland have worked toward pro-Palestine issues since the outbreak of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, focussing on the rights of the Palestinian people to an independent state and criticizing Israeli violation of international law.
On Thursday in Brussels, Harris said he made clear Ireland's position on the need for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in a meeting with the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen. Moreover, Harris reiterated a formal request, made by Dublin and Madrid earlier, to review the EU association agreement with "Israel".
"I believe the European Union must use all of the levers at its disposal [to protect the Palestinian people]," Harris said.
Harris also said that Sanchez was a welcome guest to Dublin, as "he'll be the first head of government that" Harris "will welcome to government buildings." He explained that he looks forward to having the opportunity to discuss with Sanchez "the issue of the recognition of the state of Palestine and broader matters."
