Israel fears Europe next to recognize Palestinian state
Peru is latest country to recognize Palestinian state; does not recognize 1967 borders, says issue must be worked out between Israelis and Palestinians.
By ASSOCIATED PRESS, JPOST.COM STAFFPalestinian flag 311 AP(photo credit: Associated Press)
Israel fears that Spain, Belgium, Ireland and Scandinavian countries will join the South American countries in recognizing an independent Palestinian state unilaterally, reported Army Radio on Tuesday.According to the report, Jerusalem officials estimated that Europe would then be used as a tool by the United States to place pressure on Israel.The report came a day after Peru joined a growing number of South American countries in recognizing an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.However, the decision announced by Foreign Minister Jose Antonio Garcia Belaunde does not recognize Palestine's borders pre-dating the Six-Day War of 1967, when Israel captured the West Bank and Gaza.RELATED:'European countries may recognize Palestinian state'More nations will recognize Palestinian state, PA saysPeru's position is similar to that of Chile. Both governments say the issue must be worked out between Israelis and Palestinians.Garcia said Monday that Peru also recognizes Israel's indisputable right to exist without any threats to its people.Its announcement comes ahead of a mid-February summit in Lima of South American and Arab leaders.
