The government of Slovenia has decided to recognize Palestine

The Slovenian government has decided to recognize the state of Palestine. The Council of Ministers decision, which recognizes Palestine as a sovereign and independent state, will be voted on in the Slovenian parliament on Tuesday, June 4th. Following the decision of the Slovenian government, the flag of Palestine was raised at the Slovenian Prime Ministry building. Spain, Ireland, and Norway have officially recognized the state of Palestine, and Slovenia has taken a similar step. The Slovenian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Robert Golob has officially recognized Palestine as a sovereign and independent state. The decision taken at today’s meeting of the Slovenian Council of Ministers will be voted on in the Slovenian parliament on June 4th. Prime Minister Golob of Slovenia stated in a press conference, ‘This decision contains a message for both sides, calling for an immediate cessation of conflicts and the swift, immediate, and unconditional release of hostages. The recognition message is not directed at anyone, including the state of Israel. This is a message of peace. Today, we believe that the moment has come for all of us, the whole world, to work towards a lasting peace in the Middle East, leading to a two-state solution.’ Golob expressed hope that in the coming months Western countries will recognize the right of the Palestinian people to determine their own future and recognize the state of Palestine, as well as Arab countries acknowledging Israel’s right to exist, emphasizing that the only path to peace lies in recognizing both states. Following the decision of the Slovenian Council of Ministers, the flag of Palestine was raised at the Slovenian Prime Ministry building. 145 out of 193 UN member countries have recognized Palestine. Slovenia began efforts to recognize the state of Palestine on May 9th, with Prime Minister Golob stating that they would coordinate with a group of like-minded countries to create pressure for an urgent ceasefire and the release of hostages. Golob emphasized Slovenia’s obligation as a responsible member of the United Nations to do everything in its power to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East. While 145 countries in the 193-member UN have recognized Palestine so far, with the approval of the Slovenian parliament, the number of countries officially recognizing the state of Palestine will rise to 146. Currently, 47 countries, including the US, UK, Germany, and France, do not recognize the state of Palestine.