Prince Albert II has announced that Monaco will formally recognise a Palestinian state, joining more than 145 other countries in backing a two-state solution to the conflict.
The declaration came on Monday 23rd September during a United Nations General Assembly summit in New York, where several European nations, including France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Malta, also made similar announcements.
Prince Albert II calls for ‘balanced and sustainable’ peace
In his address, Prince Albert II reiterated Monaco’s long-standing position of supporting both Israel’s right to security and Palestine’s right to statehood. “Since the beginning, my country has defended Israel’s right to live within safe and recognised borders and to enjoy security therein, as well as the right of the Palestinian people to have a sovereign, viable and democratic state,” he said.
The Prince added: “Today, we wish to reaffirm our unwavering support to Israel’s existence, and we also wish to recognise Palestine as a state under international law.” His remarks were met with applause in the chamber.
Conditions for progress
Prince Albert II said that a sustainable peace settlement must depend on clear preconditions, including the release of all hostages and the disarmament of Hamas.
“The solution must be balanced and sustainable,” he said, stressing Monaco’s support for a two-state framework “based on the existence of two national entities.”
International backdrop
Around 80% of United Nations member states have now recognised a Palestinian state, a trend that has gathered momentum as Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza and settlement activity in the occupied West Bank.
Israel’s rejection of summit
Israel strongly opposed the summit. Danny Danon, Israeli Ambassador to the UN, said that Israel and the United States “will not participate in this charade,” reiterating his government’s rejection of unilateral recognition without a negotiated peace agreement.
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Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier