Thursday, Dec 04, 2014

A total of 135 countries already recognise Palestine, including several east European countries that did so before they joined the EU.

Recognising Palestine: the EU - Israel divorce

by  Dan Alexe  |  http://www.neurope.eu/article/recognising-palestine-eu-israel-divorce?utm_source=NEW+EUROPE+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd345a8911-new12_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_cafce5403e-bd345a8911-28080685

Frustrated by the deadlock in the Middle East peace process, a growing number of European leaders and lawmakers are calling for unilateral, or even EU recognition of a Palestinian state.
After Sweden, a second country is preparing to recognise the Palestinian state: Belgium. The four parties that make up Belgium’s federal government have agreed to recognise Palestinian statehood unilaterally, and intend to submit a motion to parliament next week.
After the recognition by Sweden, the movement took a step forward on 26 November, when members of the European Parliament debated whether on a common approach for the European Union's 28 member states. In the debate, European Parliament members appeared sharply divided on what policy to endorse.
One lawmaker branded Israel "a state of child killers and land robbers," while another likened a Palestinian state to the Islamic State militant group.
A vote was put off until later this month.http://www.neurope.eu/article/recognising-palestine-eu-israel-divorce?utm_source=NEW+EUROPE+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bd345a8911-new12_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_cafce5403e-bd345a8911-28080685