Following in the steps of Spain, Norway and the Republic of Ireland, the Slovenian government has disclosed a decision to recognise an independent Palestinian state.
The move is part of a wider effort by some European countries to coordinate pressure on Israel to end the conflict in Gaza.
The country’s Prime Minister, Robert Golob said at a news conference in Ljubljana, “Today the government has decided to recognise Palestine as an independent and sovereign state within the borders from 1967, or the borders that the parties involved should agree on in a future peace agreement.”
Although the question of Palestine’s recognition was not on the government’s agenda on Thursday, Golob said that he pushed for a swift decision due to recent developments in Rafah, where Israel conducted several deadly attacks over the past couple of days.
The Prime Minister added that the resolution was not aimed against the state of Israel.
“The message of recognition is not directed against anyone, not even Israel, but that It is a message of peace,” Golob stated as the Palestinian flag was displayed on the government headquarters in Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital.
“We believe that today the moment has come when we all — the whole world — must act … in a manner that brings lasting peace in the Middle East.
“This decision carries only one message, which is our demand for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and the immediate release of hostages.”
Robert Golob
Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar also supported the decision.
Moreover, the country’s Foreign Ministry said that the process of recognizing an independent Palestine “sends a strong signal to other countries” to follow the example of Slovenia, Ireland, Norway and Spain.
The ministry noted the recognition of Palestine reaffirms Slovenia’s role in the UN Security Council as a “promoter of peace (and) security” and the country’s long-standing position that “a lasting solution to the Middle East conflict can only be achieved through a two-state solution.”
“I am glad that the Slovenian Government made a historic step,” Slovenian Foreign Minister, Tanja Fajon said.
“The Israelis & Palestinians have the right to raise their children in peace, security and prosperity in their own states. The recognition of Palestine is the only way for the two countries and peoples to coexist in peace.”
Tanja Fajon
“The number of like-minded European countries is growing, which is a clear sign that the EU is assuming a more active role in the resolution of this conflict,” Fajon added.
The government’s decision still requires the approval of the parliament, which is set to vote on the motion on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.
However, this is considered a mere formality as none of the parliamentary parties in the 90-seat National Assembly are expected to oppose the motion.
Slovenia aimed to announce its recognition alongside other EU member states, with Malta mentioned as one of the potential co-recognisers.
However, the Maltese government has since said it would do so “when the circumstances are right.”
Katz Hopes Slovenian Lawmakers Reject Motion
Israeli Foreign Minister, Israel Katz said in a post on X, that he hoped Slovenian lawmakers would reject the motion.
“The Slovenian government’s decision to recommend that the Slovenian Parliament recognize a Palestinian state rewards Hamas,” Katz added.
He added that it strengthens the “Iranian axis of evil” while damaging the close friendship between the Slovenian and Israeli people.
Katz reacted with similar rhetoric after Spain’s move to formally recognise Palestine.
Last week, Katz announced plans to block the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem from providing services to Palestinians in the occupied West Bank following Madrid’s decision this week to recognise a Palestinian state.
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