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More than 110 countries have recognized Palestine diplomatically. That includes European Union members Poland, Romania and Hungary. But the EU is far from unified on the matter. During a meeting with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she opposed unilateral steps by the Palestinians.
"I would tell you that it's less than desirable," agrees analyst Mekelberg. "Because at the end of the day, the Israelis and Palestinians need to negotiate. And I would actually like to see the European Union be more proactive in advancing negotiations together with the United States working in tandem," he said.
A chance for that might arise next month when Paris will be hosting a donors conference for a future Palestinian state. French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said his government hoped to use that meeting as a platform to restart Middle East peace talks.
More than 110 countries have recognized Palestine diplomatically. That includes European Union members Poland, Romania and Hungary. But the EU is far from unified on the matter. During a meeting with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she opposed unilateral steps by the Palestinians.
"I would tell you that it's less than desirable," agrees analyst Mekelberg. "Because at the end of the day, the Israelis and Palestinians need to negotiate. And I would actually like to see the European Union be more proactive in advancing negotiations together with the United States working in tandem," he said.
A chance for that might arise next month when Paris will be hosting a donors conference for a future Palestinian state. French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said his government hoped to use that meeting as a platform to restart Middle East peace talks.
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