An ultra-Orthodox Jew walks in Ramat Shlomo, a religious Jewish settlement in an area of the occupied West Bank Israel annexed to Jerusalem, June 5, 2014. (Reuters)
Dublin:
Ireland's foreign minister says his government is considering recognition of Palestinian statehood as a possible tactic for kick-starting Middle East peace talks, an idea bitterly opposed by Israel.
Ireland became the latest European Union member on Wednesday to approve a non-binding parliamentary motion seeking recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Lawmakers in Britain, France and Spain already have passed similar motions calling on their governments to follow Sweden, which on October 30 ignited debate by becoming the first western EU member to recognize Palestinian statehood.
Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan said Ireland's government was considering the move.
"I've no difficulty in principle with the idea of early recognition, if I believe it can contribute to achieving a settlement of the conflict," Flanagan told lawmakers. "The present stalemate is not acceptable."
Ireland became the latest European Union member on Wednesday to approve a non-binding parliamentary motion seeking recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Lawmakers in Britain, France and Spain already have passed similar motions calling on their governments to follow Sweden, which on October 30 ignited debate by becoming the first western EU member to recognize Palestinian statehood.
Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan said Ireland's government was considering the move.
"I've no difficulty in principle with the idea of early recognition, if I believe it can contribute to achieving a settlement of the conflict," Flanagan told lawmakers. "The present stalemate is not acceptable."
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