Frederiksen: We do not rule out recognizing Palestine

(Patria) - Denmark does not rule out recognizing Palestine, provided it is a democratic state, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated yesterday.

- We are not saying 'no' to recognizing Palestine as a state. We have been for a very long time, that is what we want. But, obviously, we must ensure that it is a democratic state - Frederiksen said at a press conference.

On Sunday, more than ten thousand Danes took to the streets calling for an end to the war in Gaza and urging Denmark to recognize a Palestinian state.

In an interview with the daily newspaper Jyllands-Posten in mid-August, Frederiksen stated that "Netanyahu is now a problem in himself", considering that his government is going "too far".

"The continuation of Netanyahu's extremely violent policy in Gaza is unacceptable", Frederiksen wrote on social media, adding that since the October 7 attacks, she has supported Israel's right to remove "the threat posed by Hamas".

- Recognition of a Palestinian state must serve "the right purpose". It should only become one when a two-state solution is truly promoted.

And when a viable and democratic Palestinian state can be guaranteed, without Hamas's influence. And this, of course, must be done with mutual recognition of Israel - Frederiksen said yesterday.

In the meantime, she adds, Denmark will use its presidency of the European Union to increase pressure on Israel.

- It will be difficult to gather the necessary support, but we will do everything we can - Frederiksen promised.