Finland to Sign Declaration on Israeli-Palestinian Two-State Solution
Finland announced on Friday its intention to sign a French-Saudi declaration aimed at promoting a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians, though it refrained from specifying a timeline for recognizing Palestinian statehood, reports 24brussels.
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen emphasized the importance of the multinational initiative, stating, “The process led by France and Saudi Arabia is the most significant international effort in years to create the conditions for a two-state solution.”
However, the ruling right-wing coalition in Finland faces internal divisions regarding the recognition of Palestinian statehood, with the far-right Finns Party and the Christian Democrats firmly opposing such a move.
Despite these divisions, Valtonen reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to recognizing the state of Palestine “at some point in the future,” although she did not provide further details on a potential date for this recognition.
Earlier this month, Finnish President Alexander Stubb indicated his readiness to acknowledge Palestinian statehood if a formal proposal were to be presented to him. Although the President’s powers are limited, he plays a crucial role in coordinating foreign policy in collaboration with the government.
As discussions continue, various nations, including France and Britain, have committed to recognizing Palestinian statehood during the upcoming 80th UN General Assembly in September.
Valtonen noted that Finland’s endorsement of the French-Saudi declaration aligns with the government’s comprehensive report on foreign and security policy, which received unanimous approval from parliament.
In contrast, Sari Essayah, head of the Christian Democrats and Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, voiced her dissent to Finland’s foreign policy and security committee via social media, highlighting the committee’s membership of top government officials, including the president and prime minister.
