‘No ambiguity’ about interpretation of Gaza deal, says Foreign minister
Foreign minister Maxime Prévot said that there is "no ambiguity" about what has been agreed regarding the recognition of Palestine, after the opposition spoke of divisions within the government over the interpretation of the recent Gaza deal.
On Wednesday, Prévot was invited to Parliament to explain the government's recent decision to impose sanctions on Israel and outline the steps towards recognising Palestine as a state.
Within the majority, the Flemish nationalist party N-VA and, in particular, the French-speaking liberal party MR had been reluctant to take a strong stance against Israel.
After a deal was reached on Monday night, MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez was quick to emphasise the conditions attached to the eventual recognition of Palestine. The opposition criticised the majority for being divided in their interpretation of the deal, but Prévot dismissed this view.
Two phases
On Wednesday, Prévot explained that the deal involved recognition taking place in two phases. First, Belgium will take a "political and symbolic step" by signing the New York Declaration, thereby recognising the Palestinians' right to a state.
The second step will be legal recognition, subject to two conditions: The first is the release of the hostages from Israel being held by Hamas, and the second is the removal of Hamas from the Palestinian administration.
The opposition also criticised the absence of prime minister Bart De Wever from the discussion
Prévot noted that Bouchez had referred to this legal recognition in his response. "There is no ambiguity," said Prévot. There is a difference of opinion in terms of communication, but not "in substance", he added.
The opposition also criticised the absence of prime minister Bart De Wever from the parliamentary discussion. De Wever was excused due to a working visit to the Netherlands.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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