His statement came in a post on the “X” platform, where he praised the recent decisions by France, Britain, and Canada that bolster recognition of Palestine, describing it as a step toward “reviving the peace process.” Stap added, “If received, I am ready to agree to it,” expressing his discontent with the “inhumane” situation in the Gaza Strip. He also mentioned the presence of “divergent views” within Finland on this issue, along with some concerns, calling for an open and honest discussion about it.
On the other hand, this direction faces opposition from the far-right “True Finns” party and the “Christian Democrats,” who reject recognizing a Palestinian state. In a related context, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo confirmed on Friday his country’s support for a two-state solution, without revealing whether the government plans to proceed with recognizing Palestine. He clarified that consultations with the president on foreign policy and Middle East issues will continue until the UN General Assembly convenes next September.
Earlier, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, on Wednesday, welcomed the success of the international conference for resolving the Palestinian issue through peaceful means and implementing the two-state solution in New York, appreciating the “New York Declaration” on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution.
Abbas expressed his “gratitude and appreciation for the sincere and dedicated efforts made by the joint presidency, France and Saudi Arabia, in all stages of preparation, coordination, and holding this historic conference,” extending his thanks to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the secretariat staff, as well as the countries that chaired the working groups, actively participated, and presented the working papers that were included and announced.
Abbas affirmed that “the recognition by these countries of the State of Palestine or their positive readiness to recognize the State of Palestine represents a historic step towards achieving just and comprehensive peace, and bolsters international efforts to end the Israeli occupation and establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.” The State of Palestine is recognized by about 150 of the 193 member states of the United Nations, and Russia and China, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, are among the countries that recognize Palestine.
