Malta will declare recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Tuesday evening.
Abela made this announcement a few hours after a similar statement by the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and a few days after France also announced its recognition plans. “Our position reflects our commitment to efforts for lasting peace in the Middle East,” said Abela in an article on Facebook.
The Maltese government had undergone increasing pressure from its ranks to recognize a Palestinian state, and the right central opposition also called for immediate recognition in mid-July.
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The EU Mediterranean Island has a history of support for the Palestinian causes and has constantly supported efforts for a two -state solution.
Abela announced for the first time plans for recognition of a Palestinian state in May, declaring that it would take place at a United Nations conference in June. However, the conference was then postponed.
Ireland, Norway and Spain recognized Palestine as an independent state in May.
