In Historic Move, Iceland Becomes First Western European Nation to Recognize Palestinian Statehood
by: David Harris-Gershon on November 29th, 2011 | 7 Comments »
A rally for Palestine in Iceland. Photo by Karl Gunnarsson.
On Tuesday, Iceland became the first Western European nation to pass a parliamentary motion recognizing Palestine as an independent state. The motion – symbolically passed on the United Nation’s annual day of solidarity with the Palestinian people – backs a Palestinian state on 1967 borders, calls on both Israel and Palestine to reject violence and notes the question of Palestinian refugees.
Calling the vote historic, Foreign Minister Ossur Skarphedinsson indicated that Iceland’s move was precipitated by the Palestinians’ application for full U.N. membership – an application which has not been accepted by the U.N. Security Council.
Icelandic lawmaker Amal Tamimi, who was born in Palestine, applauded the move as a necessary step, stating, “I hope that more countries will follow suit.”
As the Icelandic parliament moved to recognize Palestine, the Palestinian Authority made clear it intends to push forward with its U.N. membership bid:
Palestinian UN observer Riyad Mansour read a message from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas at UN headquarters on the occasion of the day of solidarity with the Palestinian people. He reaffirmed the Palestinian’s bid for UN membership, saying it should complement peace negotiations, provided that Israel is prepared to negotiate on the basis of the 1967 borders.
Abbas said the Palestinians are not seeking “to delegitimize Israel” by applying to join the UN “but to delegitimize its settlement activities and the seizure of our occupied lands.”
With its U.N. bid stalled in the Security Council, it remains unclear whether or not Abbas will push forward with an attempt to secure a non-binding resolution in the General Assembly affirming Palestinian statehood. Such a resolution, if moved upon, would be almost guaranteed to pass despite opposition from the United States.
Bending over for the Arabs at least keeps them from another financial crisis I guess
Bill! (Sarcasm on) Your comment shows a lot of common sense and knowledge about the political situation in the Middle East and the economical one in Europe. (Sarcasm off)
Its not Island that is bending over for Palestinian is the whole world bending over for Israel. C’mon guys Is it so hard to educate yourselves and open you mind about what really happening front of you??!!
The treatment of the Palestinians by Israel, under any other circumstances, would not be tolerated today. Expanding settlements, and destroying Palestinian olive groves makes no sense except for imperialistic motives… they are hardly security issues. If they were, then Israel would not be putting civilians in those settlements.. they would be army outposts. It’s time that the Western world acknowledged Palestine’s right to exist and thrive.
The Palestinians have had so many chances at get their own state and they continue to have resolved to replace Israel woth Palestine. Israel has givern concessions and gets nothing in return. As for Iceland, it’s an island and does not know what itsi like to live within easy range of missiles
The Palestinian people, the only people in the globe being occupied, should be a shame to the rest of the world to allow the occupation to continue. I commend Iceland for recognizing Palestinian Statehood, and urge other nations throughout the world to do the same. You cannot speak about democracy and at the same time allow the occupation of the Palestinian people.
Toula (Dec.4,2011) said it correctly.
How can those members speak of the UN Security Council speak about democracy when it doesn’t condemn the illegal and unwarranted occupation of Palestine by Israel? As a Jew I am outraged by the double-speak when Israel is mentioned.
Also, Don (Dec.1, 2011) should start reading history and current events.His comments are not fact.
Toula, There are many unresolved land disputes, some involving people under occupation, others involve the creation of refugees. they just get far less press than the Palestinians. Tibet comees to mind. It was once considered the boutique cause but has dropped off the map. Not only is Tibet occupied, but many of its monestaries have been destroyed or shut down. I do not see suchs instances in the West Bank.
Another fine example is Negorno Karabach. It was occupied by Armenia in a war with Azerbijan.The Armenians support it as a neighboring independent Armenian entity that is tied to their national heritage As a result of the war the Azeri residents fled Negorno Karabach and Azerbijan demand their return. Sound familier??
I suggest better reseacrch next time ou choose to single out Israel