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Bratislava – The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Juraj Blanár (Smer-SD), in connection with the first anniversary of the attack by Palestinian militants Hamas on Israel, stated that it has long been time for the international community to exert even greater pressure in order to achieve a two-state solution in this conflict. The communication department of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic informed TASR about this.
The position of the head of Slovak diplomacy regarding the two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinian Authority aligns with the position of the EU. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, repeatedly calls for a common stance of the Euroblock in recognizing the Palestinian state and considers the two-state solution as “the only long-term guarantee of security and peace between Israel and Palestine.”
According to Blanár’s statement on Monday, the two-state solution “as the only fair and just solution can stabilize the relations between Israel and Palestine.”
“The pressure on a humanitarian truce will grow,” added the head of Slovak diplomacy, noting that the Slovak Republic is looking at the stability in this region with concern.
On October 7, 2023, the Palestinian radical movement Hamas attacked southern Israel, resulting in the death of more than 1,200 people. The militants also captured over 250 hostages, of which 97 are still in the Gaza Strip. The Slovak Republic sharply condemned this act by Hamas, as stated in the MZVEZ declaration.
“Since then, we have witnessed a devastating war in Gaza with tens of thousands of casualties and immense suffering of civilians, a humanitarian crisis, and violations of international humanitarian law. I appeal for a return to international diplomacy and a cessation of fighting. Peace efforts must be given a chance,” said Blanár, noting that the conflict has also spread to Lebanese territory and could escalate.
In connection with the deteriorating security situation, the Slovak Republic evacuated 34 Slovak citizens from Lebanon over the weekend. (October 7)
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