“This is a relevant step that aligns with a basic principle of international justice and respect for the self-determination of peoples,” remarked deputy Filipe Sousa in a written response sent to Lusa.
The issue at hand is the intention, announced today by the Prime Minister’s office, to consult the President of the Republic and political parties with parliamentary representation, with the aim of “considering the recognition of the Palestinian State” at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
According to JPP parliamentarian, this step “will only have true significance” if it results in a diplomatic action “coherent, consistent, and based on clear values,” stating that the recognition of a State “cannot be a symbolic or isolated gesture, or it risks losing strength and credibility.”
Filipe Sousa also noted that his party “has been firm in defending an ethical approach” in international relations, citing the example where Portugal “abstained from supporting the explicit reference to the Palestinian people in a CPLP declaration on the use of hunger as a weapon of war.”
“We welcome the evolution now announced, but we reaffirm that the dignity of a people is not protected with hesitations or vague words. International justice demands clear and consistent positions,” warned the deputy.
In a joint declaration signed at the end of the UN conference, Portugal admitted the possibility of recognizing the State of Palestine and declared its commitment to work towards the “next day” in Gaza.
For Europe, the declaration is signed by Andorra, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, and Spain.
Among the 27 of the European Union, four countries have already recognized the Palestinian State – Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Sweden.
