(Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Yoni Ben Menachem - Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn is advancing an initiative for all EU states to recognize a Palestinian state in response to the statement by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the settlements. The recognition by EU countries of a Palestinian state and the adoption of the Luxembourg foreign minister's initiative requires a unanimous vote of EU members. It should be made clear to European countries that recognition of a Palestinian state is a premature determination of an outcome that should come from negotiations and is something that Israel cannot accept. The Oslo Accords did not recognize the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and did not stipulate that settlements should be stopped; the PLO signed it and must respect it. The writer, a veteran Arab affairs and diplomatic commentator for Israel Radio and Television, is a senior Middle East analyst for the Jerusalem Center.
2019-12-12 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive