Italian opposition urges government to recognise Palestinian State

3 months ago 15

Italian opposition parties, the Five Star Movement, the Democratic Party, and the Green and Left Alliance, are putting increasing pressure on the Italian government to follow the lead of Norway, Spain, and Ireland in officially recognising the state of Palestine.

Recognition of the state of Palestine has become a focal point of debate in Italy after Spain, Ireland, and Norway did just that.

During a speech by the deputy leader of the Five Star Movement, Riccardo Ricciardi, on Tuesday, members of parliament waved Palestinian and peace flags – an action that led to the suspension of a radical left LFI MP for 15 days in France.

In Italy, Ricciardi reminded the assembly that his party had tabled a motion the day before calling on the Italian government to recognise the state of Palestine within the 1967 borders.

“We have submitted a motion for the recognition of the State of Palestine, and we demand that the government and the Prime Minister take responsibility for this,” he said.

Following the Five Star Movement’s call, both the Democratic Party (S&D) and the Green-Left Alliance have also said that Italy should recognise Palestine.

“We have seen Spain and Norway proceed with recognition; it is time for Italy to do the same,” said Democratic Party Secretary Elly Schlein.

“The problem is that the international community has never fully recognised a Palestinian state. Palestinians also have the right to live in peace and security in their own state,” she added.

On the side of the Green-Left Alliance, MP Angelo Bonelli said: “We must recognise the State of Palestine and impose sanctions on Israel for committing crimes against humanity.”

Explaining the government’s position, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani argued that such a move would not help Palestine and is merely a propaganda tool for the opposition.

“Recognising the State of Palestine at this time, as Spain has done, does not help ensure stability in the region and cannot be used as an electoral propaganda tool,” said Tajani.

“The Palestinian state must first be recognised by Israel and, in turn, must recognise Israel,” the foreign minister added.

(Alessia Peretti | Euractiv.it)