A demonstrator holds a Palestinian flag in December 2017 in Ramallah, West Bank, during clashes sparked by then-US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. (Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
- EU member Ireland plans to recognize Palestine as a state by the end of this month.
- Spain and Slovenia also plan to do so in concert.
- Ireland wants as many countries as possible to join the declaration to send a strong message.
Irish Foreign Minister Michael Martin said on Wednesday that he was certain Ireland would recognize a Palestinian state by the end of May, without specifying a date.
Mr Martin, who is also Ireland's deputy prime minister, told radio station Newstalk: “We intend to recognize a Palestinian state by the end of this month.”
In March, the leaders of Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and Malta said in a joint statement that they were ready to recognize a Palestinian state.
Ireland has long said it is not opposed in principle to formal recognition of a Palestinian state if it can contribute to the Middle East peace process.
But Israel's war against Hamas militants in Gaza has given new impetus to the issue.
Last week, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Spain, Ireland and Slovenia were planning to symbolically recognize a Palestinian state on May 21, and other countries could follow suit. .
But Martin declined to specify a date Wednesday.
“The exact date is still in flux as we are still in talks with some countries regarding joint recognition of a Palestinian state,” he said.
“We will know the exact date in the next few days, but definitely by the end of this month.
“I look forward to consulting with some foreign ministers today on the final concrete details.”
During Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's visit to Dublin last month, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said the two countries would work together to coordinate the move.
“As we move forward, we want to work with as many people as possible to give weight to our decisions and send the strongest message,” Harris said.
Mr Harris' office said on Wednesday that he had updated Jordan's King Abdullah II by telephone on plans for Irish statehood.
The statement said Mr Harris “outlined Ireland and Spain's continued efforts towards recognition of Palestine and ongoing consultations with other like-minded countries”.
It added: “The King and the Taoiseach agreed that both Ireland and Jordan should maintain contact in the coming days.”
