28/11/2014 21:37
French lawmakers debate recognition of Palestine as a state
French lawmakers will debate a proposal on Friday to recognise Palestine as a state in a move aimed at pushing for "a definitive resolution of the conflict". The non-binding motion is expected to pass a lower house vote December 2, France 24 reports.
French officials have said that extending state recognition to the Palestinian territories could help promote peace between the Palestinians and Israel. The text "invites the French government to use the recognition of the state of Palestine as an instrument to gain a definitive resolution of the conflict."
The motion, which is non-binding, is expected to pass comfortably on December 2 when the lower house of parliament votes on the text proposed by the ruling Socialists.
The vote comes soon after similar resolutions approved by British lawmakers on October 13 and Spanish MPs on November 18, and the formal recognition of Palestine by Sweden on October 30.