Finland’s President Alexander Stubb stated that he is prepared to approve a recognition of a Palestinian state if the government decides to move forward with the proposal, according to AFP.
Finland Moves Closer to Recognizing Palestinian State
The statement comes at a crucial time as several countries, such as France, Canada as well as Malta have announced their plans to recognize a Palestinian state alongside the 80th UN General Assembly in September.
“The decisions by France, the United Kingdom and Canada reinforce the trend towards recognizing Palestine as part of efforts to breathe new life into the peace process,” Stubb said in a post to X Thursday.
While the Finnish President holds limited executive powers, the role includes coordinating the country’s foreign policy in close collaboration with the government.
“If I receive a proposal to recognize the Palestinian state, I am prepared to approve it,” Stubb said, deploring an “inhumane” situation in Gaza.
That is why Stubb noted that he understood that Finns had “different opinions on the recognition of Palestine, and that there is also concern.” Therefore, he calls for an “open” and “honest” debate.
The far-right Finns Party and the Christian Democrats have voiced opposition to the recognition of a Palestinian state.
France, Canada, Malta Pledge to Recognize Palestinian State
Last week, the French President unveiled his intension to recognize the Palestinian state at the 80th General Assembly of the United Nations in September.
Moreover, Malta has announced it will officially recognize the State of Palestine this coming September, joining an increasing number of countries such as France and the United Kingdom amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
“Malta has consistently supported the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. As responsible international actors, we must help turn the two-state solution from a concept into a reality,” Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary at Malta’s Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, said.
At the same time, Canada also revealed plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September as international pressure on Israel is surging over the ongoing starvation crisis in the Palestinian enclave.
“Canada intends to recognize the state of Palestine at the 80th General Assembly of the United Nations,” Carney told reporters.
Related Topics:
Malta to Officially Recognize State of Palestine in Sept.
Canada to Recognize Palestinian State at UN, Sparking US, Israeli Backlash
France to Recognize Palestinian State, Sparking Outrage from US, Israel
