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Brussels/Ljubljana – The Slovenian government initiated the procedures for recognizing Palestine on May 9 and announced that it would send the decision on recognition to the parliament, which makes the final decision, by June 13 at the latest. On Monday, however, Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob announced that the government would consider the decision to recognize Palestine this Thursday. According to unofficial information, the parliament is expected to approve it next Tuesday.
“I am very pleased that Slovenia is continuing and the Slovenian government is completing the process of recognizing Palestine at the Thursday session. After two days of discussions in Brussels, I am convinced that this is the only right way,” said Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon in Brussels on Monday.
Slovenia’s wish was for more EU members to join in the recognition, but Fajon said that none have announced it so far, although some have assured that they are working in this direction.
Today, Palestine was recognized by two EU members, Spain and Ireland, and non-member Norway.
According to the minister, with the recognition of Palestine, Slovenia will also convey that Israel’s continuation of the military operation in Gaza is unacceptable and contrary to international law. At the EU foreign ministers’ meeting on Monday, Fajon insisted that Israel must respect the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague and international law, otherwise Slovenia will be forced to support sanctions against this country.
Slovenia also supported the renewal of the EU mission aimed at assisting at the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Ljubljana is also negotiating for the continuation of the program, within which it has already helped with the rehabilitation of injured children from Gaza in the past. (May 27)