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Following a deal among the main parties, the motion that was
carried stated: "(The European Parliament) supports in principle
recognition of Palestinian statehood and the two-state solution,
and believes these should go hand in hand with the development
of peace talks, which should be advanced."
Social Democrat, left-wing and Green members of the European
Parliament had initially put forward motions for a symbolic vote
on Wednesday to call on the EU's 28 members to recognize
Palestine statehood now without conditions.
This follows Sweden's decision in October to recognize Palestine
and non-binding votes since then by parliaments in Britain,
France and Ireland in favor of their recognition that
demonstrated growing European impatience with the stalled peace
process.
Some European countries have grown increasingly vocal in
expressing frustration with Israel, which since the collapse of
the latest U.S.-sponsored talks in April has pressed on with
building settlements in territory the Palestinians want for
their future state.
However, the center-right European People's Party, the largest
group in parliament, and the fourth largest group, the Alliance
of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, said recognition should
only form part of a negotiated agreement with Israel.
(Reporting By Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Alastair Macdonald)
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