UN conference on Palestinian statehood delayed: Macron
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Earlier this month, Macron had expressed hopes that the summit would help advance efforts toward officially recognizing a Palestinian state.
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France's President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech as he addresses his New Year's wishes to media at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France on January 11, 2022. (AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron announced Friday that the upcoming UN conference on a two-state solution, originally scheduled for next week in New York, has been postponed due to security and logistical concerns.
The delay followed "Israel’s" large-scale airstrikes on Iran, which targeted over 100 military and nuclear sites and killed several top Iranian officials, including the armed forces' chief of staff and nuclear scientists.
"While we have to postpone this conference for logistical and security reasons, it will take place as soon as possible," Macron said during a press conference. Earlier this month, he had expressed hopes that the summit would help advance efforts toward officially recognizing a Palestinian state.
Macron spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, the Élysée Palace confirmed. While the French presidency acknowledged the call, it did not disclose details of the conversation.
Macron, who earlier in the day reiterated "Israel’s" right to defend itself, also urged restraint and called for de-escalation amid the escalating regional crisis.
Relations between Macron and Netanyahu have been strained in recent months, largely due to "Israel’s" blockade of Gaza and France’s push to recognize a Palestinian state.
The call came in the wake of "Israel's" aggression on Iran, which struck over 100 military and nuclear sites and killed several top officials, including Iran’s chief of staff.
In the aftermath, Macron also held discussions with other global leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
US discourages nations from sharing in UN conference on recognizing Palestine
The administration of US President Donald Trump is actively discouraging global participation in an upcoming United Nations conference focused on the potential two-state solution between "Israel" and Palestine, according to a diplomatic cable obtained by Reuters in a report published June 11.
The diplomatic cable cautioned that nations backing what the US views as "anti-Israel measures" in connection with the conference risk being perceived as acting against American foreign policy objectives, potentially triggering diplomatic consequences.
The conference, to be held next week in New York, is being co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia and aims to outline a framework for the creation of a Palestinian state while "preserving Israel’s security."
Conference on recognizing Palestine scales back its ambitions
The planned peace conference in Saudi Arabia, which was initially expected to push for the recognition of a Palestinian state, has significantly scaled back its ambitions and will now focus on securing incremental steps toward recognition rather than issuing a joint declaration, according to diplomatic sources cited by The Guardian in a June 7 report.
According to reports, French officials have reassured Israeli counterparts that the conference will not immediately lead to recognition of a Palestinian state, emphasizing that such an outcome would only be possible if key conditions are met.
These conditions include a permanent Gaza ceasefire, the release of Israeli captives, reforms within the Palestinian Authority, and the removal of Hamas' governance in Gaza.
