RIYADH: Hussein al-Sheikh, Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), announced a growing trend among European countries towards recognizing an independent Palestinian state. This development aligns with diplomatic efforts to promote the two-state solution in accordance with international law.
Saudi Arabia has taken a leading role in advocating for international recognition of a Palestinian state. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah highlighted the Kingdom’s diplomatic pressure to encourage global support. Speaking at a High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Luxembourg, he noted significant changes in European attitudes towards recognizing a Palestinian state. This comes after the United States vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution supporting Palestine’s full membership, drawing criticism from Palestinians and the Arab world.
Saudi Arabia’s approach to normalizing relations with Israel is conditional on certain factors. The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry clarified that any agreement with Israel requires recognition of a Palestinian state with the 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital, along with an end to the Gaza conflict. Riyadh urged the UN Security Council’s permanent members to recognize the Palestinian state under these conditions.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are scheduled to discuss Palestinian statehood with EU representatives and the US Secretary of State. These discussions align with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to mobilize international support against Israeli occupation and in favor of Palestinian rights.(Ghazi al-Harthi-aawsat.com)
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