He emphasizes that Norway will not do this alone, but in cooperation with other countries, so that it sends a stronger signal internationally as part of a peace plan in the region.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs made the statement in Good Morning Norway on TV 2.
When asked when the recognition can take place, he replies:
– During the spring, perhaps. What is more important than the date is that it happens in a context.
– This is the work we are currently doing in collaboration with other countries, he adds.
138 of the UN’s 193 member states have already recognized Palestine, including Sweden. Barth Eide nevertheless believes that it has a greater effect if several countries come together.
– What we want is to do it in a context where something is now happening regarding building a peace plan, he says.
He emphasizes that Norway does not want to support a “Hamasistan”.
– What we want is a Palestine that is politically linked to the West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza, and we want the skilled new prime minister who is in place in Palestine to be able to form a government, he says.
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