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.
Storting decision in November
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.
In November, the Storting adopted a proposal asking the government to prepare to recognize Palestine as an independent state.
– The Storting asks the government to be prepared to recognize Palestine as a separate state at a time when recognition can have a positive impact on a peace process and without reservation about a final peace agreement, the decision said.
– Good signals
Foreign policy spokesperson in Rødt, Bjørnar Moxnes, proposed in the Storting almost a year ago that Norway should recognize Palestine as a separate state.
He is pleased with the Foreign Minister’s statement.
– I note that the proposal Rødt put forward in May last year is moving ever closer to approval, and there are very good signals from the government. Netanyahu has opposed a Palestinian state all his adult life, so solid pressure will also be needed from Norway, says Moxnes.
Storting representative for the Liberal Party, Ingvild Wetrhus Thorsvik, calls it promising tones from Barth Eide.
– The Left believes that Palestine must be recognized as its own state, and we have believed that for a long time. It was a shame that the government voted against the proposal when it was considered in the Storting this autumn, and all the more gratifying that Barth Eide is so clear now, she says.
