Protesters wave Palestinian flags in solidarity with Palestinians during a demonstration called by Kanak organisations, "Urgence Palestine" group and anti-fascist movements at the Place de la Republique in Paris. - AFP PIC
Protesters wave Palestinian flags in solidarity with Palestinians during a demonstration called by Kanak organisations, "Urgence Palestine" group and anti-fascist movements at the Place de la Republique in Paris. - AFP PIC

LETTERS: THE decision by Spain, Ireland and Norway to recognise Palestinian statehood is great.

The recognition is long overdue, and it has an implication for the peace process.

The move means 146 out of the 193 member states of the United Nations now recognise a Palestinian state. The number represents a global endorsement.

The question is, why are so-called democracies such as the United States, Britain and Germany rejecting the democratic verdict of the global community?

Their action shows they cannot preach on democracy to China, Russia and developing nations.

The continuous selling of arms to Israel by the Western powers even after more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed shows the hypocritical nature of those countries. No wonder the peace process does not work.

The European Union (EU) should recognise Palestinian statehood and create conditions that would force Israel to the negotiating table.

Norway, Ireland and Spain have begun the process. Other EU members (besides Ireland and Spain) should follow suit as this would enhance their credibility as democracies that support global justice.

Ronald Benjamin

Ipoh


The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times