Joe Biden
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated on Wednesday that US President Joe Biden thinks direct negotiations, not unilateral recognition, should lead to a two-state solution following the announcements of Norway, Ireland, and Spain about their plans to recognize the Palestine state.
When asked if the US is concerned about other countries recognizing a Palestinian state, Sullivan said at a press briefing, “Each country is entitled to make its determinations, but the US position on this is clear. President Biden, as I just mentioned, has been on record supporting a two-state solution”.
“He has been equally emphatic on the record that that two-state solution should be brought about through direct negotiations through the parties, not through unilateral recognition that’s a principled position that we have held on a consistent basis. We will communicate that to our partners around the world and we’ll see what unfolds”, Sullivan continued.
Sullivan labeled Israel’s move to withhold funds from Palestinian authority as ‘wrong’, claiming that it destabilizes the West Bank and hinders the Palestinian people’s yearning for security and prosperity.
On the US reaction to Israel’s response to Palestinian statehood by withholding funds from Palestinian authority, he said, “I think it’s incorrect on a strategic basis because withholding funds destabilize the West Bank”.
He went on to say, “It contradicts Israel’s interest in pursuing security and prosperity for the Palestinian people, and it is unethical to withhold funds that give essential commodities and services to innocent people. So, from our standpoint, the funds should continue to flow, with all of the necessary protections”.
As Spain, Norway, and Ireland announced plans to formally acknowledge a Palestinian state, Israel reacted angrily, recalling their ambassadors from each country.
Irish foreign minister Micheal Martin stated that recognition of the Palestinian state will take effect in all three countries on May 28, with the prime ministers hailing the action as a major step towards peace in the region.
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