ALDE: European Union must speak with one voice on Palestine

Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe - ALDE

“It is widely expected that the Palestinian Authority may submit an application to the United Nations this week for recognition of official statehood.    Liberals and Democrats urge the EU Member States to adopt a unified position and commend Baroness Ashton for the efforts undertaken in this respect. The process should lead to a negotiated agreement on a substantially upgraded status of Palestine at the United Nations that also addresses Israel's security concerns before the end of the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Annemie Neyts, MEP (Open VLD, Belgium) Vice Chair of the Middle East Working Group and coordinator on the foreign affairs committee said "This is potentially a defining moment for the Middle East peace process. The Palestinians' bid for enhanced international standing must involve a negotiated solution with Israel and crucially for a future Palestinian State, this must then lead to an upgrade of their status and official recognition by the UN ."

Alexander Graf Lambsdorff (FDP, Germany), ALDE Deputy Leader added "The EU has a key role to play on the issue of an upgraded status of Palestine at UN level. This is why it is of paramount importance that the Member States speak with one voice and come up with a common position. In order to be effective and influence the re-launch of negotiations in the Middle East, the EU must have a single and united position."”