Minister Martin should push for recognition of Palestinian state

Posted by Bronwen Maher on December 13, 2010 at 09:16 AM

Labour MEP Nessa Childers today urged Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin to push at cabinet level for the recognition of the state of Palestine within the 1967 borders. "Given the latest breakdown in Middle East talks due to the refusal of the Israeli government to halt the building of illegal settlements, I believe now is the time for Ireland to consider following the recent example of Brazil and Argentina and officially recognise the state of Palestine.
 
She said "Over 100 states around the world already recognise Palestine which declared independence in 1988. Such a move by an EU member state would send a hugely significant signal that we strongly support the right of the Palestinian people to a free and independent state. Most Israelis already support a two-state solution but current progress is being blocked by the right-wing extremists in the current coalition government who refuse to halt illegal settlement building in occupied Palestinian territory. This is undermining, day by day, any chance of a viable Palestinian state. 
"Minister Martin has been very active on this issue during his term as Minister for Foreign Affairs and I commend his courage in raising the issue repeatedly with his European colleagues, which is not always popular. Now in his last months in office, I urge him to push for this move within Cabinet and to work with other small European member states of similar mind to move forward with unilateral recognition.
 
"After visiting the region myself earlier this year, I can only attest to the massive humanitarian crisis that is still a reality in Palestine. This situation can not continue. If the US-led talks cannot lead to a two-state solution over the coming months, then it is the moral responsibly of the EU to step up its efforts. I welcome the statement this weekend by several influential European figures, including former Irish President Mary Robinson, calling on the EU to use its economic power and impose sanctions on Israel for its refusal to comply with international law."

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