EU stops short of recognizing Palestinian state

The EU stopped just short of fully recognizing a Palestinian state at a foreign ministers meeting on Monday, saying doing so could hamper Middle East peace talks. Still, the EU emphasized it remains hopeful for a two-state solution. "[The council] reiterates its readiness, when appropriate, to recognize a Palestinian state," it said in the statement, adding that "urgent progress is needed towards a two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We want to see the State of Israel and a sovereign, independent, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security." Earlier this month, the governments of Brazil and Argentina formally recognized a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders.

Haaretz