Poll: Leading EU countries support Palestinian statehood bid in UN

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The majority of citizens in Germany, France, and the U.K. support the planned Palestinian statehood bid in the United Nations, a new poll indicated on Monday.

A new opinion poll published Monday shows that a majority of people in Germany, France and Britain – three countries that are critical votes in the battle over the Palestinian bid for statehood – all want their leaders to vote in favor of a UN resolution to support recognition of a Palestinian state when it's discussed in New York.

The survey, which was carried out online by YouGov in Britain and Germany, and Ifop in France, on behalf of the global political web movement Avaaz - which is conducting an online petition in support of a Palestinian state - shows that in Germany 84% supported Palestinian statehood and 76% believed Germany should act now to recognize; in the U.K. the figures were 71% and 59%; and in France the figures were 82% and 69% respectively.

Ricken Patel, Executive Director of Avaaz, said in a statement: "The overwhelming majority of the British public have spoken - now David Cameron must listen."

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/poll-leading-eu-countries-support-palestinian-statehood-bid-in-un-1.384015

[hlthe2b]

1. Well, I can only hope the Europeans will show leadership...

We certainly do not seem willing to stand up to Israel on this score. Peace efforts, be damned, I guess.

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2. Ashton: No unified EU stance on UN recognition of Palestinian state

There is no definitive European position regarding the Palestinian bid to gain recognition of statehood and membership from the United Nations General Assembly, the European Union's foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said Monday, as Palestinian officials claimed Germany's stance on the Palestinian statehood bid was "not positive."

"There is no resolution on the table yet, so there is no position," Ashton said in a statement during a two-day visit to Cairo.

"What is clear from the European Union is that the way forward is negotiations," which aim to bring "a just and fair settlement" to both Palestinians and Israelis, she added.

Her remarks came after a meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Amr to discuss the Palestinian bid.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/ashton-no-unified-eu-stance-on-un-recognition-of-palestinian-state-1.384030

Interesting that she is (apparently) visiting at the same time as Erdogan.

[azurnoir]

3. Thanks good news n/t