France FM: ‘We are working to recognize State of Palestine’

PARIS, May 22 (YPA) – France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced on Thursday that “his country is working to recognize the State of Palestine”, a move that comes amid mounting European and international criticism of the situation in the Gaza Strip.

In an interview with France Inter radio, Barrot sharply criticized the Israeli occupation, describing the situation in Gaza as “indefensible”.

“We cannot leave a legacy of violence and hatred for the children of Gaza,” he added, All of this must stop, and that is why we are determined to recognize a Palestinian state.”

The minister explained that he will be working actively to achieve this goal in the near future, without specifying a clear timetable.

About 147 of the 193 UN member states to date have recognized the State of Palestine, including Sweden, which was among the first European countries to take this step.

AA