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Bolivia’s recognition of Palestine as an independent state sets off alarm bells in Israel

by Joshua Lapide
Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela have already recognised Palestine. Uruguay is expected to do the same next year. The issue is debated in Chile. The United States warns against unilateral recognition. The European Union is still waiting. Israel orders its diplomatic missions to oppose such initiative around the world.
Jerusalem (AsiaNews) – Late last night, Bolivian President Evo Morales announced that his country would formally recognise Palestine as a state within the 1967 borders. Morales added that he planned to write to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, informing him of the decision.

Earlier this month, Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela had already recognised Palestine within 1967 borders and Uruguay plans to do so next year.

Legislators from ruling and opposition parties in Chile have stepped by pressure on the government of President Sebastian Pinera to grant the same recognition to Palestine. Chile has a large Palestinian community of more than 300,000 people.

For the leaders of these states, such recognition will help lead to peaceful and secure coexistence with Israel. At a minimum, it should breathe new life into the deadlocked peace process.

Unable to stop Israeli settlements on the West Bank, a Palestinian precondition for renewed talks, the United States has warned against unilaterally recognising the Palestinian state.

The European Union is waiting instead for the right moment to grant its recognition.

The Palestinian diplomatic offensive is worrying Israel. Sources tell AsiaNews that the Israeli government has ordered all its embassies to monitor and stop all initiatives that would increase the number of nations recognising a Palestinian state.