Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas on Monday called on EU states to swiftly recognize the state of Palestine in response to the US administration’s recognition of Occupied Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Abbas made his remarks during a news conference in Brussels before an informal lunch with EU foreign ministers and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.
Hailing the EU as a “true partner and friend” Abbas tried to convince the EU states that their recognition of the state of Palestine would not be an obstacle to the peace process.
“Recognition will not be an obstacle on the road to peace but rather it will encourage the Palestinian people to preserve hope that peace is coming” he said.
Abbas said the EU contributed to the building of the state of Palestine and its institutions with financial and economic support.
Addressing tensions with Israel Abbas said Palestinians “are still committed to the treaties they signed with Israel” which he accused of violating its agreements with the Palestinians.
Abbas’ visit to Brussels coincided with US vice president Mike Pence’s trip to Israel which is the third leg of his five-day tour to the Middle East that started Friday.
