Brussels, 29/11/2012 (Agence Europe) - The member states of the European Union have not managed to decide on a common position on the resolution of the president of the Palestinian Authority to have Palestine recognised as an observer state of the United Nations. On Thursday 29 November, several hours before the vote, the EU member states were very divided. France, Italy, Belgium, Ireland and Spain announced that they would vote in favour of this status, which Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, Luxembourg, Malta and Greece are also expected to do. Germany, like the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia and the Baltic states, is expected to abstain. German Minister for Foreign Affairs Guido Westerwelle said that while Berlin “shares the objective of a Palestinian state”, “we can be doubtful of the fact that the stage envisaged by the Palestinians will serve the peace process”(our translation). The Netherlands and the Czech Republic could vote against.
Nevertheless, to show a minimum of unity, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton put out a press release on 29 November - in the name of the 27 EU member states - ahead of the vote. In her statement, Ashton said that “the EU has repeatedly expressed its support and wish for Palestine to become a full member of the United Nations as part of a solution to the conflict”. “Recalling the Berlin Declaration of March 1999, the EU reiterates its readiness to recognise a Palestinian State when appropriate”, Ashton added.
“… after today's vote, it is important for all parties and actors involved to work towards a settlement of the conflict with renewed purpose and sense of urgency”, Ashton said. She calls all parties to pursue actions conducive to an environment of confidence which is necessary to lead to true negotiations. The EU also calls on them to refrain from actions that undermine the credibility of the process. “The European Union urges both sides to seek constructive ways to overcome the current obstacles for a resumption of direct negotiations without delay or preconditions”, Ashton said on behalf of the EU27. (CG/transl.fl)