European Parliament resolution on recognition of Palestine statehood
The European Parliament supports "in principle recognition of Palestinian statehood and the two state solution, and believes these should go hand in hand with the development of peace talks, which should be advanced", it says in a resolution passed on Wednesday. To support EU diplomatic efforts in the Middle East peace process, it also decided to launch a “Parliamentarians for Peace” initiative to bring together MEPs and MPs from the Israeli and Palestinian parliaments.
The resolution was drawn up by five political groups and passed by Parliament as a whole, by 498 votes to 88, with 111 abstentions.
Parliament reiterates "its strong support for the two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states, with the secure State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security on the basis of the right of self-determination and full respect of international law". MEPs also condemn in the strongest terms all acts of terrorism or violence.
Palestinian factions urged to end internal divisions
MEPs stress the importance of consolidating the authority of the Palestinian consensus government and urge all Palestinian factions, including Hamas, to end internal divisions.
Illegal settlements
The resolution reiterates that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law, calls on the EU to become a genuine facilitator in the Middle East peace process and asks the EU’s foreign policy High Representative to facilitate a common EU position to this end.
Bringing together MPs from both sides
MEPs decided to launch a “Parliamentarians for Peace” initiative to bring together MEPs and members of Israeli and Palestinian Parliaments, to help advance an agenda for peace and to complement EU diplomatic efforts.