Merkel Shuns Unilateral Recognition Of Palestinian State

Chancellor Angela Merkel has declared Germany is against unilaterally recognizing a Palestinian state, despite moves among other European states towards recognition.



Merkel said on Friday that German recognition of Palestine alone would not provide a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.



Holding a joint press conference with Belgium's PM Charles Michel, Merkel said Berlin supported a two-state solution but added: "We see how difficult that is, so we also believe that unilateral recognition of the Palestinian state won't move us forward."



She said it would be better to restore Israeli-Palestinian talks although "that appears very difficult in the current conditions."



Condemning Tuesday's attack at a West Jerusalem synagogue in which four Israelis died, Merkel said tension was high in the region.



She added:  "The two sides should move towards restraint." 



'Timing important'



Meanwhile, Michel said Belgium was also slanted towards a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 



"However, the correct timing is very important," he said.



Israel occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank during the 1967 Middle East War.



It later annexed the holy city in 1980, claiming it as the capital of the self-proclaimed Jewish state -- a move never recognized by the international community. 



Palestinians continue to demand the establishment of an independent state in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital. 



www.aa.com.tr/en - Berlin