Spain to Support Palestine’s UN Membership Bid, Confirms Foreign Minister

Madrid, The Gulf Observer: Spain has pledged its support for Palestine’s aspirations to attain full membership status in the United Nations (UN), as reported by Spanish daily El Pais on Wednesday.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares reaffirmed this commitment during discussions ahead of a NATO meeting in Brussels. Addressing queries regarding the El Pais report, Albares hinted at Spain’s intention to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state and advocate for its rightful place among the global community of nations within the UN.

“Spain will recognize Palestine as a sovereign state, and therefore, a sovereign state has its place among all planet’s nations and sovereign states – in the United Nations,” stated Foreign Minister Albares.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had informally expressed Spain’s intent to formally recognize an independent Palestine before June during discussions with journalists earlier this week.

Palestine recently revived its bid for full UN membership, emphasizing the international community’s historical commitment to the creation of two states in Palestine since 1947. Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour underscored the duty of the international community, alongside the Palestinian people, to fulfill this mandate by admitting Palestine as a full member.

The issue of Palestine’s UN membership is set to be deliberated upon by the Security Council, currently presided over by Malta. The Maltese UN ambassador indicated that discussions regarding Palestine’s membership will take place within the Council.

In March, Spain was among the four EU countries, including Ireland, Slovenia, and Malta, that pledged recognition of an independent Palestinian state. Prime Minister Sanchez urged vigilance regarding forthcoming decisions in Brussels and New York concerning Palestine’s status.

However, the US, a key player in the Security Council, is expected to veto Palestine’s bid, reiterating its stance that full UN membership should follow a negotiated peace agreement. US Deputy UN Ambassador Robert Wood reaffirmed this position, suggesting that the US stance remains unchanged.

Palestine’s previous bid for full UN membership in 2011 faced challenges in securing Security Council support. Nevertheless, it garnered significant backing in the UN General Assembly, resulting in observer state status for Palestine.

The evolving dynamics surrounding Palestine’s UN membership bid underscore the complexities and sensitivities involved in the Middle East peace process, with diplomatic efforts continuing to navigate toward a viable resolution.