Fajon after Slovenian Government session: Recognition of Palestine based on 1967 borders

(Patria) - The Slovenian Government today took the first step, an important step towards recognizing an independent, sovereign state of Palestine, said the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, Tanja Fajon, after a Government session in Ljubljana.

She expressed hope that the procedures will be completed as soon as possible, as Slovenia wants to ensure the end of the atrocities in Gaza, a permanent ceasefire, a hostage release agreement, the security of Israel, and peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.

According to her, they will monitor the progress in the region, as the goal is not just recognition as a symbolic act, but to achieve a calming of the situation or an end to the war.

She explained that the Government decided to initiate the process based on the 1967 borders between Israel and Palestine, which means that Palestine would include Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.

She also emphasized that the recognition is definitely not a recognition of "Hamas".

"On the contrary, it is about empowering the renewed Palestinian Authority, which will also be able to control Gaza from Ramallah," said Fajon.

Upon leaving the Government session, the head of diplomacy also expressed hope that like-minded countries will follow Slovenia and initiate procedures for recognizing Palestine themselves.

The Prime Ministers of Slovenia, Spain, Ireland, and Malta adopted a joint statement at the end of March on the sidelines of the EU summit, in which they expressed their readiness to recognize Palestine when it can be done effectively and when circumstances are favorable.

The Slovenian Government will send the decision on recognizing Palestine to the National Assembly (parliament) within a month, i.e., by June 13.

In Slovenia, a proposal for the recognition of a country is prepared by the government, then it must be approved by the parliamentary committee for foreign policy, and then by the parliament.