Leading EU countries support Palestinian statehood bid in UN, poll says
Survey taken on behalf of the global political web movement Avaaz shows majority of citizens in Germany, France, and U.K. support recognition of future Palestinian state.
By Danna Harman and The Associated Press Tags: Middle East peace Palestinian state EUThe majority of citizens in Germany, France, and the U.K. support the planned Palestinian statehood bid in the United Nations, a new poll indicated on Monday.
A new opinion poll published Monday shows that a majority of people in Germany, France and Britain – three countries that are critical votes in the battle over the Palestinian bid for statehood – all want their leaders to vote in favor of a UN resolution to support recognition of a Palestinian state when it's discussed in New York.
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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaking at the UN General Assembly, Sept. 25, 2010 |
| Photo by: AP |
The survey, which was carried out online by YouGov in Britain and Germany, and Ifop in France, on behalf of the global political web movement Avaaz - which is conducting an online petition in support of a Palestinian state - shows that in Germany 84% supported Palestinian statehood and 76% believed Germany should act now to recognize; in the U.K. the figures were 71% and 59%; and in France the figures were 82% and 69% respectively.
Ricken Patel, Executive Director of Avaaz, said in a statement: "The overwhelming majority of the British public have spoken - now David Cameron must listen."
"The Prime Minister has a clear choice: stand with the British public, and 126 other nations to support a Palestinian state and a new path to peace, or side with the US government which continues to push a failed status quo,” Patel added.
Avaaz says it is planning to deliver more than 913,000 signatories backing what it describes as "this new opportunity for freedom" to the European parliament.
Spain is openly backing the recognition, with Sweden, Portugal, Norway, Malta, Belgium and Luxembourg seemingly leaning in that direction.
France and Britain in turn have both said they would prefer to see meaningful negotiations on the basis of the pre-1967 borders with agreed land swaps, but have hinted they may vote for enhanced status for the Palestinians without such a prospect.
Germany, like Italy, Holland, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria has said they oppose the move.
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Palestinians will need to defend themselves from Israel's refusal to allow the Right Of Return.
Who cares about online polls? They're incredibly easy to manipulate, no wonder the results so much in the Palestinians favor.
Basically, everyone is in favor of Palestinian statehood -- even the majority of Israeli and Palestinian people -- except only the right wing Israeli government and US political leaders being controlled by AIPAC are opposed. Once again, it's the world against Israel and its American lapdog.
Palestinian State train is on the track and its rolling, no stopping now.
I can only say my Government does not represent us. They should hang for their criminal stance.
Perhaps, courage here is to understand that Palestinians have a right to a state, as well as stating it loud and clear that a terrorist Iranian proxy protectorate in Gaza, with a genocidal agenda on Jews and Israel can't be part of it, even if Miss Palestina is crowned Miss Universe at UNGA (which sound to me rather like King Kong's middle name).
While there is some sympathy for Israel here, there is a strong feeling that Israel has done nothing to make things better for itself or the Palestinians. In fact, it has ignored advice from every country and made matters worse. Something has to change, and if Israel isn't prepared to do it others will.
Maybe all this will help de Israeli leaders understand better which is the way to a definitive peace: the two state solution.
Politicians are in panic be accused of "antisemitism" , people are more reasonacle and courageous
People are generous when their belongings are not involved.
84% of all germans demand a palestinian state, yet Angela Merkel refuses to recognize Palestine's right to exist. What is democracy good for, if for our political leaders it's obviously way more important to climb up Netanyahu's ass than to represent the citizens? Dear Palestinians, please don't blame jews or germans in general, it's really just the israeli/german governments you should be angry about.
Where are the Protestors against the Genocide in Libya, Syria, against the abject poverty and removal of thousands of Egyptians from their homes by the state. Where are the swarms piling on the streets of London, shouting "Women's human right not to be lashed and stoned to death in Iran". Where are those who understand that in Lebanon opposition is not tolerated or that Hamas should tear up their peace of crap charter on which their policies call for the destruction of Israel. Why is George Galloway not on the streets, arm in arm with Ken Livingstone, Annie Lennox and Alexei Sayle. The thing is, do the British public actually know where any of these countries are? Do they know the Human Rights issues involved. Israel has a lot to answer for, but why should she stand alone when surrounded by Genocidal maniacs and extremists who have maimed, tortured, humiliated and murdered millions of their own people. It baffles me. Makes me wonder that in a cesspool of decadence and mayhem, maybe Israel ain't that bad.
So no surprise at the results. The vast majority of Brits couldn't give two hoots about 'palestinians'. It's only the likes of the BBC that obsessed over it. Thousands of Brits boo'd and jeered as a small band of pro-'palestinians' disrupted Israeli musicians at the proms. None of them gave a toss about 'palestinians'
You are talking rubbish... i live here,. and many many people are very angry about whats happening to the Palestinians
the sentiment by the overwhelming majority of Europeans and most Americans with the exception of the zionist lobby and their fundamentalist bible thumping friends. The occupation that Israel has turned into an annexation and the recent rulings based on racist criteria by the current Israeli government are an injustice and an impediment to arrive at a peaceful settlement of an intractable problems that has been going on too long. Israel no longer has any respect and it is not due to anti-semitism or any such claptrap but solely due to Israel's actions and its insistence that it be allowed to devour the very land they claim they are willing to cede for a Palestinian state.
as opposed the the right wing nuts at the former New of the world that hacked in and deleted phone records of Murder victims?
A professionally-conducted poll is designed to sample a fraction of large population in such a way that the results of that smaller sample are reflective of that larger population. So of course pollsters don't take out advertisements in newspapers. Just because YOU didn't see the poll doesn't mean that it's somehow less scientific. Or that your views aren't represented--in the results. It's just that you are in the minority. You can spout off all you want about the BBC and the Guardian, but the fact of the matter is, the overwhelming majority of Europeans support recognition of a Palestinian State.
Your countrymen's political apathy, I mean. I was also kind of surprised that more than half the Brits had an opinion on this until I read they took the study from YouGov. (Not Guardian -- but I guess you would have had to read the article to know that)
You wish.....
Britain, France, Spain, Ireland and the Scandinavian countries will all vote in favor, Germany and possibly Italy will vote agains or at best abstain but probably won't vote in favor. Poland & other former Soviet states who have joined the EU I think will mostly abstain or vote against statehood because at least some of those countries are more pro Israel than the western European EU members. At the end of the day though it doesn't matter who supports the creation of a palestinian state because whilst they will easily win in the General Assembly they can't have a state until its passed the Security Council where the US has a veto and has stated that it will use the veto. Some members of Congress are even in favor of the US cutting all financial aid to the palestinians if they even go to the General Assembly.
There was an Palestinian rep and a former Israeli UN ambassador on TV last night debating this very point (BBC Hard Talk) and the Pal guy came over as relaxed and friendly, while the Israeli was angry and gave the impression they had no plan what to do come Sept 21st.
The UN bid alone cannot bring about a Palestinian state but it is still an important and valuable tool at chipping away at the what has been the accepted mantra - that justice and peace between the Israelis and Palestinians can only come about through US sponsered negotiations between the two parties. This approach has clearly failed and merely acted as a cover for the Israelis to establish more facts on the ground by consolidating and expanding Jewish only settlements beyond the Green Line. As for the US, I'd pay more attention to the opinion of the State Dept rather than US Congress - basically politicians who must be mindful of their campaign funds - but after the past decade, the loss of Americal life and treasure in wars of choice, there is no way that the US can or will continue blind support for Israel. It is in the interests of the US for there to be peace within the ME, that won't come about unless there is justice for the Palestinians. The closeness of the US Israeli relationship is becoming a liability for the US. That's just the way it is.
The truth and everyone knows it.. the only countries that are pro Israeli with your current government in charge, are ones that have been BRIBED or BOUGHT The world is not silly, we know whats going on..
and zionism is not forever, not in palestine or anywhere else once they( americans) know your agendas!!
The fact the you rely on US veto to win your own battle shows how dying you are to live side by side next to a Palestinian State.. Moreover the US veto and the aiding cutting if occurred will only leave more space for Iran to interfere. So if your plan is an Iranian PA, then be it. Trust me if the Palestinian State was not endorsed at the UN, things will escalate on all majors and it will never end go to anyone - Well that's what at least history have proven when it came to the right wing Jews and their Muslim counterparts. So re-evaluate your position because the Zionism might be facing its biggest enemy coming from inside of them.
who will vote in favour of recognition. The US will pay a high price for their imbalance in policy and their veto. It will increase anti-American sentiment throughout the Arab world and will do much to decimate the moral credibility of the US.
What are you reading, watching on tv... your completely deluding yourself.