Statement by Prime Minister Robert Golob on the anniversary of the recognition of Palestine

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We publish a statement by the Prime Minister on the anniversary of the recognition of Palestine.

Statement by Prime Minister Golob on the first anniversary of the recognition of Palestine

One year ago, the National Assembly adopted one of the most important and noble foreign policy decisions in Slovenian history. Slovenia recognised the fundamental right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. The recognition of Palestine as an independent and sovereign state was a powerful political and symbolic act. 

Palestine on one side and Israel on the other – a two-state solution is the only solution for peace and coexistence in the Middle East, and the existence of a Palestinian state is one of the key prerequisites for peace.

Over the past year, I have held numerous talks with world leaders and representatives of international organisations. In our discussions, there was a deep frustration over the unimaginable atrocities taking place in Gaza and the West Bank; and there was also widespread frustration, incomprehension and condemnation of the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which run counter to all the principles of the modern international community. 

On the other hand, Palestinians are dying and suffering – humiliated, powerless, hungry and ill. And there seems to be no end in sight to these atrocities caused by the cruel policies of the Israeli government.

That is why symbolic political acts, such as the recognition of Palestine, offer a glimmer of hope that one day they will live in their own state, and that the majority of the international community, which upholds the principles of humanity and international law, has not forgotten them and still cares. 

I call on countries that have not yet done so to immediately recognise Palestine and thus contribute to the realisation of a two-state solution with Israelis and Palestinians living in peace and security. It is also high time that the competent EU institutions prepare an opinion and further measures regarding Israel's clear violation of the provisions of the EU–Israel
Association Agreement, particularly Article 2, which refers to respect for human rights and democratic principles. In this light, EU Member States must reconsider their positions regarding the actions of the Israeli government. 

I hope the United States will support the efforts of the international community, particularly the UN system, to ensure the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and bring an end to the humanitarian catastrophe we are witnessing. 

Slovenia will continue, both within the EU and the UN Security Council and across the entire UN system, its proactive policy of advocating for peace, an end to the humanitarian crisis and a political solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.