EU Parliament passes watered down resolution on 'principal' of Palestinian statehood

EU Parliament passes watered down resolution on 'principal' of Palestinian statehood
By Euronews
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With an overwhelming majority the European Parliament has spoken in favour of the principle of Palestinian statehood. The motion backed such a set up

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With an overwhelming majority the European Parliament has spoken in favour of the principle of Palestinian statehood.

The motion backed such a set up in theory, within the framework of a two state solution.

Compared to a resolution originally tabled calling on EU member states to recognise Palestine- this outcome was somewhat muted.

But it has still sparked some criticism with David Walzer,
Israeli Ambassador to the EU, speaking out against the move:

“The only way to achieve this ambitious goal is to have Israelis and Palestinians to sit in a room, around a table and directly negotiate a peace agreement; not in Strasbourg, not in New York, not in Geneva.’

Israel has long lobbied against any such resolution. But others argue this is a necessary step to bring stability to the Israel- Palestinian conflict. Gilles Pargneaux, a French centre-left MEP spoke to euronews after the vote:

“I told the Ambassador of Israel , having this recognition and resolution will enable you to have improved dialogue with Fatah , and Mahmoud Abbas , who will be strengthened, through our political resolution and our political pressure. “

In recent months numerous national parliaments in Europe have issued their own non binding resolutions.

It has perhaps symbolised a shifting attitude within the EU, but it is still one yet to result in any policy change.

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