Belgium's Arizona coalition will not follow France's announcement to recognise Palestinian statehood, but reiterated its support for a two-state solution.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot were asked in the Federal Parliament on Thursday about Belgium's position on the recognition of Palestine.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday that France could recognise a Palestinian state "in June" during a conference in New York.
In response to questions from Paul Magnette (PS) and Charlotte Deborsu (MR), Bart De Wever reiterated the government’s stance on in favour of a two-state solution.
"We want the European Union to play an important role in reaching a two-state solution that guarantees Israel's security and the recognition of Palestine," De Wever quoted from the coalition agreement.
However, he immediately added that there must first be an agreement on a two-state solution, coupled with an agreement on the borders of Israel and the Palestinian state.
He emphasised mutual recognition and outlined two conditions: defining borders and establishing an "acceptable" state apparatus. He assured that Belgium would recognise Palestine once these conditions are met.
A European march in solidarity with the Palestinian people, Sunday 19 May 2024 in Brussels. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot was a bit clearer on Palestinian statehood recognition.
"Recognising the Palestinian state in purely symbolic terms serves little purpose if it causes problems on the ground." In other words, Belgium is in favour of recognising the Palestinian state in principle, but not in practice, VRT reports.
Prévot also reiterated support for a two-state solution, saying it would benefit all parties.
He mentioned that Belgium will take a position on this issue for the New York conference in June, where France is set to announce its recognition of Palestine, while others recognise Israel. Belgium will also participate in the upcoming Global Alliance for a Two-State Solution meeting in Rabat on May 21-22.
Charlotte Deborsu praised President Macron’s statements and urged Belgium to seize this opportunity. The usually outspoken MR leader George Louis Bouchez was also uncharacteristically quiet, VRT reports.
Paul Magnette remarked that Prévot seemed more proactive than De Wever and argued that it is high time Belgium recognises the Palestinian state, as 148 countries have already done.
