A+ A-

Socialists in EP call for recognition of Palestine state

BRUSSELS, Nov 21 (KUNA) -- The Group of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament Friday expressed its strong support for the recognition of Palestinian statehood.
"We consider that the right of the Palestinians to self-determination and to have their own state is unquestionable, as is the right of Israel to exist within secure borders," said Gianni Pitella leader of the group in a statement.
He called on EU member states to be united in their support for this legitimate process.
"Socialists and Democrats will continue their work to ensure that the European Union plays a more effective and genuine role in the peace process; we remain deeply convinced that a single European voice is a key factor in finding a comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," noted the leader of the second-largest group in the EP which has 191 members.
"We believe that the only way to solve the conflict between Israel and Palestine is through the two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem the capital of both state," he added.
The EP will debate the question of the recognition of Palestine statehood with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini on Wednesday afternoon. (end) nk.bs