“I am pleased with the Government’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine. It was an inevitable decision. The important thing now is to address the shocking humanitarian crisis that continues in Gaza,” declared Marques Mendes on social media platform X.
The presidential candidate has been vocal about the situation in the Middle East, stating to the newspaper Público on Saturday that “courage is needed to act” and that “it’s time for the European Union, collectively, to recognize the State of Palestine, in accordance with the international doctrine of establishing two states” in the Middle East conflict.
A week ago, Marques Mendes criticized the West’s silence regarding the situation in Gaza.
“I believe Europe is showing great hypocrisy. Europe rightly criticized Russia for attacks on civilians in Ukraine, and now it remains silent towards Israel, which is also attacking civilians in Gaza. There cannot be double standards,” he told journalists in Bragança.
Luís Marques Mendes further stated that “Europe should act, adhering to one principle: Israel is a friend of Portugal and Europe, but friends must have the courage to speak the truth.”
“Therefore, Portugal should tell a friendly country and Europe that certain lines are being crossed, and human rights must be restored in the Gaza Strip,” he emphasized.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced today that he will consult with the President of the Republic and political parties in parliament to “consider recognizing the Palestinian state” at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
“The Government has decided to consult with His Excellency the President of the Republic and the political parties represented in the Assembly of the Republic, with a view to considering the recognition of the Palestinian state in a process that may be concluded during the High-Level week of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, to be held in New York next September,” the Prime Minister announced in a statement.
