European Parliament rejects unconditional recognition of Palestine

The EPP Group welcomes that the European Parliament today supported a Resolution on the recognition of a Palestinian statehood and the two-state solution but it must go "hand in hand" with the development of the peace talks. "With this vote, the European Parliament has clearly rejected an unconditional recognition separate from the peace negotiations", pointed out the EPP Group co-negotiator of the Resolution and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Elmar Brok MEP.

"The EPP Group believes, as does the majority of the European Parliament, that early negotiations are necessary to make a secure Israel and a viable and democratic Palestinian state possible on the basis of the 1967 borders and under international law. Both sides must refrain from any actions that could jeopardise this goal. The European Parliament has also rightly demanded that all Palestinian factions, including Hamas, according to the declaration of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) in 1993, recognise the existence of the State of Israel. The EPP Group supports the European Parliament’s position against the Israeli settlement policy", Brok explained.

The EPP Group also welcomes that the Resolution rejects any form of violence and terrorism from all sides and warns against a potential religious dimension to the conflict. For EPP Group MEPs, the only sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will be the one achieved through peaceful and non-violent means.

"We are gravely concerned at the growing tension and increasing violence in the region and urge all parties to refrain from any action that would worsen the situation. The Resolution adopted today does not ask for the unconditional recognition of Palestine. On the contrary, the text insists upon the need to continue and advance the peace talks. Ultimately, the only true recognition of Palestine as a state can be brought about by negotiations between the parties in the framework of a comprehensive peace process that addresses all outstanding issues", explained the EPP Group co-negotiator of the Resolution and EPP Group Spokesman on Foreign Affairs, Cristian Preda MEP.