Alexander Stubb advocates for recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state
In the upcoming UN General Assembly debate in New York, several countries, including France, Britain, Canada, and potentially Finland, are hinting at recognizing an independent Palestinian state. This move comes amidst a series of recognition moves by various countries, with Finland's President Alexander Stubb expressing his readiness to endorse such recognition.
Finland, however, has not formally recognized a Palestinian state yet. The country has signed a multinational petition urging recognition, but the governing coalition is split on the issue. Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen supports recognition aligned with a two-state solution, while coalition partners like the Finns Party and the Christian Democrats oppose formal recognition at this time.
The Finnish government's official stance remains cautious, emphasizing that conditions for recognition are currently not met. Interior Minister Mari Rantanen and Finns Party leader Riikka Purra have explicitly stated that Finland should not recognize Palestine now, opposing moves made by countries like France that plan to recognize Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly.
President Stubb's statement on the Palestinian state is a reflection of his belief in contributing to reviving the peace process in the Middle East. He has made it clear that his readiness to recognize a Palestinian state is conditional on an international push in that direction. The President determines foreign policy in close coordination with the government, but his power is limited by that of the Prime Minister.
Stubb's statement follows the recognition moves by countries like France and Britain. Finland, known for its active involvement in international efforts and discussions supporting Palestinian statehood, recently signed a petition with 14 other countries calling for Palestine to be recognized as a state, or at least for recognition to be considered, reflecting support at the ministerial level.
The UN General Assembly debate in September in New York will likely see more countries discussing the recognition of a Palestinian state. Stubb believes that recognizing Palestine can contribute to reviving the peace process in the Middle East, a move that is in response to the "inhuman" supply situation in the Gaza Strip.
Despite the internal division within Finland's ruling coalition, the country remains engaged in international dialogue and monitoring developments, emphasizing its commitment to a two-state solution in the Middle East.
- Finland's President Alexander Stubb has indicated his readiness to endorse the recognition of a Palestinian state, aligning with numerous countries that are hinting at this action during the upcoming UN General Assembly debate, despite the internal division within Finland's governing coalition about this issue.
- The ongoing Middle East conflict and the "inhuman" supply situation in the Gaza Strip have been subjects of extensive discussion and policy-making, with politics, policy-and-legislation, general-news, and war-and-conflicts all playing significant roles in shaping the international community's response, including the ongoing debate surrounding the recognition of a Palestinian state.
