Brussels, 07/07/2011 (Agence Europe) - The question of recognising a Palestinian state is now posed and it is the EU's duty to take positive action, states a group of European public figures, including former foreign ministers and a former president of the European Commission, Romano Prodi. The EU, they say, is committed technically, financial and publicly and: “Going back on that commitment now would show proof of inconsistency, weakness and a lack of political will. It would also mean letting those who want status quo win”.
In September, the Palestinian Authority may be able to ask the United Nations and its member states for formal recognition of Palestinian sovereignty on the occupied territories, the eminent figures state, asserting: “If the request is made, the EU should support it by underlining the need for an independent Palestine to be negotiated with Israel on the basis of internationally recognised parameters”. Signatories include Hubert Védrine (France), Michel Rocard (France), Hervé de Charrette (France), Louis Michel (Belgium), Guiliano Amato (Italy), Romano Prodi (Italy), Felipe Gonzales (Spain), Peter Sutherland (UK), Michael Lothian (UK), and Jorge Sampaio (Portugal).
The recognition of the future state by the EU would, according to the public figures, be within a logic held since 2009. Signatories consider that Europe cannot oppose this legitimate request on the part of the Palestinians and that a majority of member states have already recognised the Palestinian state (bilaterally). However, they add, recognition by the EU as such would make all the difference. (F.B./transl.jl)