ISLAMABAD: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in New York on Friday that New Zealand will not be recognizing the state of Palestine at this time.
“With a war raging, Hamas remaining the de facto government of Gaza, and no clarity on next steps, too many questions remain about the future state of Palestine for it to be prudent for New Zealand to announce recognition at this time,” Peters said in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, according to Reuters.
A New Zealand government’s press release on Saturday, quoted the foreign minister as saying, “We are also concerned that a focus on recognition, in the current circumstances, could complicate efforts to secure a ceasefire by pushing Israel and Hamas into even more intransigent positions.”
‘When the time is right’
“New Zealand has long been a staunch advocate of the two-state solution and a defender of Palestinians’ right to self-determination,” Peters said.
“What is needed now more than ever is dialogue, diplomacy and leadership – not further conflict and extremism.
“New Zealanders are shocked by the harrowing images of famine in Gaza, revolted by the grossly disproportionate military action from the Israeli Government and disturbed by Israeli rhetoric and actions aimed at dismantling future prospects for a Palestinian state.”
He said, “New Zealand’s position remains that it is a matter of when, not if we recognize the State of Palestine.”
“Like every other New Zealand Government over the past 80 years, we hold the position that we will recognize a Palestinian state when the time is right.
‘Complex issue’
“What we are looking for now are real actions towards the full viability and legitimacy of the State of Palestine, rather than rhetoric in that direction; Israel to stop and reverse all actions aimed at destroying the two-state solution, including illegal settlements in the West Bank, and to return to meaningful negotiations with the Palestinians; the release by Hamas of all the hostages it holds; the disbanding and disarmament of Hamas; and the renouncement of violence by all Palestinian leaders who have yet to do so.”
Recognition of Palestine is a complex issue on which reasonable people can disagree, Peters said.
“Some of our close partners have chosen to recognize Palestine, and others have not. We do not question the good intentions of those who have chosen to recognize Palestine at this time. Indeed, we have a shared objective of trying to help bring about a two-state solution. Where we differ with some of our partners is on the issue of whether recognition now by New Zealand will make a tangible, positive contribution to the realization of a two-state solution.”
Immense suffering in Gaza
New Zealand remains committed to doing its part to alleviate the immense suffering in Gaza, the New Zealand foreign minister said.
The New Zealand Government has also today released Cabinet material associated with its decision on the recognition of Palestine, the New Zealand government’s statement said.
