asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is the intention of the Government to grant formal recognition to the independent Palestinian State; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
62.
Written Answers. - Recognition of Palestine.
58.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is the Government's intention to follow the example of many other States in recognising the Palestinian State proclaimed in 1988, thereby giving a significant boost to the campaign for Palestinian independence; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 62 together.
The criteria in international law applicable to recognition of States are that the State possess (i) A defined territory, (ii) A permanent population, (iii) A sovereign government exercising effective control; and (iv) a capacity to enter into international relations.
The State which was proclaimed by the Palestine National Council on 15 November 1988 clearly does not fulfil these conditions. Israel continues to function in the territories it has occupied since 1967 as an occupying power. Thus the applicable criteria for the granting of formal legal recognition are not met in this case. Consequently, the Government do not intend to recognise the Palestinian State at this stage.
The Government consider, however, that in the context of a negotiated settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination includes their right to an independent State. The Government, therefore, hope that the independent Palestinian State, proclaimed unilaterally on 15 November 1988, will become a reality as a result of an international peace conference under UN auspices with the participation of all the parties concerned, including the PLO, whose role in representing the Palestinian people we have recognised.