Slovenia, Spain, Ireland and Malta "ready" to recognise Palestine
PM Robert Golob (right) pictured with his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and European Council President Charles Michel. Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
The prime ministers of Slovenia, Spain, Ireland and Malta have issued a joint statement to express their readiness to recognise a Palestinian state when the move could "make a positive contribution and the circumstances are right".
The four leaders see a two-state solution as the "only way to achieve peace and security" in the Middle East.
Speaking to the press after the EU summit in Brussels on 22 March, Slovenia's Prime Minister Robert Golob described the process as two-tiered, involving the establishment of two independent states, and the establishment of a new Palestinian government.
He said things could start moving forward in a matter of weeks, maybe a month.
European Council President Charles Michel responded to the statement by saying it was a good idea if it meant the start of a process that would support the Middle East peace process.
He said EU leaders did not discuss recognition of Palestine. Instead, the discussion focused on a two-state solution with the purpose of two nations coexisting safely and recognising each other.
The conflict was one of the main topics of the two-day EU summit, which resulted in a call for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable cease-fire, unconditional release of hostages and humanitarian aid.
EU leaders also called on the Israeli government not to launch a land offensive on Rafah, as this would only worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian situation and prevent much-needed basic services and humanitarian aid.
