site.btaCroatian Foreign Minister: Zagreb Supports Recognizing Palestine, But Only When It Can Be Implemented

Croatia is "absolutely in favour of recognizing the Palestinian state," but only when it can be implemented, Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic Radman said on June 6, as quoted by the country's news agency HINA.

In late May, Spain, Ireland and Norway recognized Palestine in the hope of precipitating a process of achieving peace in the Gaza Strip. On Tuesday, the Parliament of Slovenia also approved the recognition of an independent Palestinian state. The Danish legislature voted against it last week.

Radman, who was speaking to journalists during a formal observance of Croatian Diplomacy Day, said Zagreb is an absolute and sincere advocate for a "two states" solution, but it should be the result of negotiations between the two sides, which is why it is essential to revive the Middle East peace process.

He noted that the recognition of the Palestinian state presupposes delineating its territory and determining all standard attributes of a state, such as governance, symbols, national flag and currency. The diplomat noted that recognition means nothing if it cannot be implemented. It takes a political will on both sides, he added.

Radman said Croatia calls for an end to escalation in the Middle East. According to him, Croatia's policy since the start of the conflict between Hamas and Israel has been reliable and consistent.

Croatia has condemned Hamas' attack on Israel and has urged an unconditional release of the hostages, opening of humanitarian corridors and providing humanitarian supplies to Gaza, the Foreign Minister said.