Belgium distances itself from Spain over recognition of Palestine
Belgium has decided to withdraw from the group of like-minded countries on the recognition of Palestine. Minister of Foreign Affairs Hadja Lahbib (MR) stated this in Parliament. She wants to act “rationally” about the timing and criteria for a two-state solution, and thus also about the recognition of the Palestinian state.
The minister expressed her reservations about the pressure Spain has exerted within the European Union to achieve recognition. “One country, Spain, has become more vocal about the recognition of Palestine due to an internal coalition change. That does not improve the dynamics. Now there are three countries: Ireland, Slovenia and Spain. The others withdrew when a European Council took place where Spain did the forcing. That’s how it happened. It was our Prime Minister who decided to withdraw from the group, it was not me or the MR. Then Luxembourg and Portugal withdrew.”
Belgium, which is currently president of the EU, wants to play the role of mediator in the debate. The issue was raised informally during a Foreign Affairs Council on Monday and later formally in the context of a cooperation council with the Gulf states. “I have advocated rationalizing what still needs to be done, what is the opportune moment, what criteria are needed to take steps forward and involve other countries to achieve recognition of Palestine, to abandon the emotional path, feeling on the one hand that they are betraying Israel and posing a danger by recognizing Palestine, and on the other hand, offering hope to the Palestinians who still believe in peaceful dialogue,” the minister continued.
The idea of a preparatory peace conference, put forward by EU High Representative Josep Borrell, is gaining ground. “There are oppositions within the Council and we are looking at how to move forward. With the Arab countries and certain EU countries we are looking at the objective milestones, the timing, what is needed to move forward and where the recognition of Palestine should take place” , Lahbib added.
