Palestine urges London to recognize its statehood

The Palestinian ambassador in London said the "historic time" has arrived for the British government to take action on its "overdue" moral and historic duty and to recognize the State of Palestine.

News ID: 60420

Date: 07 October 2014 - 14:00

“The upcoming vote in parliament is a litmus test for MPs support for freedom in Palestine and peace in the region. A vote in favour sends a promising message to Palestinians that justice is possible, that Britain does not accept the continuation of the illegal Israeli occupation,” Ambassador Manuel Hassassian said in a press release received by IRNA.

“Now is the time for Britain to shoulder its moral and historic duty which is long overdue," he added, "Recognising Palestine will salvage the chances for realizing peace that achieves independence for the Palestinian people.”

On Monday 13 October UK MPs will debate and vote on Motion on the recognition of the state of Palestine. More than two thirds of countries around the world have recognized the State of Palestine. Most recently, Sweden declared its intention of recognizing the State of Palestine while the Spanish and Belgian senate passed similar resolutions recognising the state of Palestine, read the Mission's press release.

"The Palestinian Mission to the UK views this vote as a historic opportunity for Britain to rectify the historical injustice inflicted on the Palestinian people since 1948, to shoulder its responsibility as the former Mandate of Palestine and to affirm its principled and moral support for freedom, justice and the right of Palestinians to self determination. We hope the UK government will follow the footsteps of other states as it cannot continue to linger behind."

The Palestinian Mission in London said an unfavourable amendment has been tabled by the British Government conditioning recognition “on the conclusion of successful peace negotiations between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority.”

"The UK government has long tied the recognition of the State of Palestine to the outcome of the negotiations. In light of the current stalemate, the time for the UK to take a step that moves the peace process forward and changes the status-quo has arrived. Recognizing Palestine will advance peace and will send a clear message about the illegitimacy of the Israeli occupation and the urgency of ending the occupation."

"Supporting the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination is a universal obligation according to international law and has been reaffirmed by the ICJ and in various UNGA resolutions. The recognition of Palestine is a unilateral and sovereign choice that states can and should take. This sovereign choice should not remain hostage to Israel’s conditions and should not be subjected to the veto or objection of other states or organizations," the Palestinian Mission said.

Source: IRNA