EU and Arab leaders meet in Brussels to discuss status of Palestine and two-state solution
Representatives of European and Arab countries met in Brussels on Sunday evening to discuss how to join forces to achieve a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Belgian Foreign minister Hadja Lahbib announced. The session was held on the sidelines of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.
“Humanitarian aid and the release of the hostages is urgent, but we must revive the political process for a two-state solution,” High Representative of European Foreign Policy Josep Borrell said ahead of the gathering, which included Palestinian prime minister Mohammad Mustafa.
The meeting covered the need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of prisoners and hostages and the cessation of all illegal unilateral actions in the occupied Palestinian territories, including the control over the Rafah crossing.
“Our goal is clear: a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in security and peace," Lahbib said. "Because the two-state solution is the only way to guarantee peace between Palestinians and Israelis, to prevent the conflict from escalating and to ensure stability and coexistence between the peoples of the region."
“I am also here to determine, together with our partners, the calendar and the criteria that will make the recognition of Palestine a useful lever for peace,” she said. “Recognition with rights and freedoms for the Palestinians. Recognition with a legitimate Palestinian Authority capable of providing governance, with the support and commitment of the Arab countries and the European Union.”
While the US and the EU support a two-state solution to the conflict, only nine EU countries have recognised Palestine to date. Many did so in 1988 under communist rule and have since shifted alliances closer to Israel.
Foreign minister Hadja Lahbib and EU High Representative of the EU for Foreign Policy Josep Borrell, 26 May 2024 © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK and Video: Interview of Prime minister of Palestine Mohammad Mustafa after a meeting with Prime minister Alexander De Croo, Monday 27 May 2024 in Brussels. BELGA VIDEO JEROME FETU
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