The changes state that any conventional attack on Russia, aided by a nuclear power, could be considered to be a joint attack
world3 days ago
Spain, Ireland and Slovenia plan to symbolically recognise a Palestinian state on May 21, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Friday.
He confirmed the date in an interview with Spanish public radio after Ireland's public broadcaster RTE said that was when all three countries were planning to act.
"As far as I know yes, because that's what minister (Jose Manuel) Albares told me," he said referring to Spain's foreign minister.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Slovenia's government said on Thursday it had passed a decree on recognising a Palestinian state which would be put to its parliament by mid-June.
"After that there will likely be more" nations following suit "because Belgium has also decided to do it," Borrell added.
The bloodshed of Israel's seven-month war in Gaza, which began after the October 7 attacks, has revived calls for the Palestinians to be given their own state, with a growing number of EU countries expressing a desire to do so.
"Obviously, this is a politically symbolic act.. rather than recognising an actual state, it is recognising the desire that this state should exist," Borrell said.
Questioned by journalists, Albares — who is currently in Washington — did not confirm the date, nor did he say when the matter would be put to Spain's cabinet.
In March, Spain, Ireland, Malta and Slovenia issued a joint statement, saying they were "ready to recognise Palestine" when "the circumstances are right" if it could help bring about a resolution of the conflict.
Last month, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said recognising a Palestinian state was "in Europe's geopolitical interests", telling lawmakers: "The international community can't help the Palestinian state if it doesn't recognise its existence".
His address came after a visit to the Middle East during which he expressed hope Spain would recognise Palestinian statehood by the end of June.
Despite the growing number of EU countries in favour of such a move, neither France nor Germany support the idea. Western powers have long argued such recognition should only happen as part of a negotiated peace with Israel.
So far, 137 of the 193 UN member states have recognised a Palestinian state, according to figures provided by the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority.
ALSO READ:
The changes state that any conventional attack on Russia, aided by a nuclear power, could be considered to be a joint attack
world3 days ago
The country launched a probe in March 2021 into WhatsApp's privacy policy, which allowed data sharing with Facebook and its units, sparking global backlash
world3 days ago
This time around, Trump wants the Senate to give up that gatekeeping role and allow him to make 'recess appointments'
world4 days ago
Police allege the offences took place between 2001 and 2019 against 8 victims; the youngest was 17 at the time of the offence
world4 days ago
The two countries have a mutual defence treaty dating back to 1951, which could be invoked if either side came under attack, including in the South China Sea
world4 days ago
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger on Narendra Modi in Abuja on Sunday
world5 days ago
The titleholder's winning answer focused on using each individual's strengths
world5 days ago
The suspects would be interrogated jointly with the Shin Bet internal security agency, police said
world5 days ago