The Slovenian government started today procedure for recognizing the state of Palestine as a form of pressure to end the conflict in Gaza, the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Robert Golob, announced today, quoted by Reuters, writes BTA.
„The horrors we see every day in Gaza are unacceptable and must stop," Golob said, quoted on the government's profile on the social network X. "I call on Israel to immediately end its attacks on Gaza and use the negotiating table.
Golob said he would like Slovenia's recognition of Palestine to be a "stimulus for the faster progress of these negotiations" and to accelerate UN dialogue on an immediate ceasefire, the release of the hostages, and the security and existence of Israel through a two-state solution.
The news comes amid reports that Ireland, Spain and several other EU countries are considering recognizing a Palestinian state on May 21, according to Irish state television.
The date on which Slovenia will recognize Palestine will depend on the success of the peace talks, but on June 13 at the latest, the Slovenian prime minister said. If the negotiations end successfully sooner, Slovenia will complete the recognition procedure faster.
The Slovenian prime minister said that the decision to start a recognition procedure contains expectations for all participants in the conflict - progress in peace negotiations, release of hostages and reform of the Palestinian Authority.
The ruling coalition reached unanimous agreement on this decision, Robert Golob said, and expressed hope that the recognition will inspire other countries to follow Slovenia's example.
In March, Spain, Ireland, Malta and Slovenia said they had agreed to take the first steps towards recognizing a Palestinian state. According to reports, the parties are awaiting a vote in the UN General Assembly on May 10, which could lead to the Palestinians being recognized as eligible for full UN membership.
Since 1988, 139 UN member states out of a total of 193 have recognized the Palestinian state, Reuters recalls.
Israel has declared that the four-party plan is a “reward for terrorism” which would reduce the chances of a negotiated solution to the conflict in Gaza, the agency reminds.