In a speech delivered during the resumption of the international conference for a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution in New York, Macron said that "the time for peace has come," stressing that this step demonstrates "France's fulfillment of its historic commitment" in the Middle East.
The French President stressed, "Our recognition of the State of Palestine paves the way for a peace plan and breaks the cycle of violence in the region."
Macron added: "Therefore, we bear a historic responsibility. We must do our utmost to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security." He continued: "Some will say it's too late, others will say it's too early, (but) we can no longer wait."
The French President noted that Paris will open an embassy in the Palestinian territories after the release of the hostages (prisoners) and a ceasefire is reached in the Gaza Strip.
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Earlier on Monday, the resumption of the high-level international conference for a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution began in New York City.
The conference's resumption comes a day after Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal announced their recognition of the State of Palestine, amid Arab welcome.
The decision by the five countries brings the number of countries recognizing the State of Palestine to 154 out of 193 UN member states, since the late President Yasser Arafat declared its establishment from Algeria in 1988. Similar announcements are expected from France, Luxembourg, Malta, Belgium, and other countries, a development Israel is monitoring with concern, calling it a "political tsunami," and threatening to punish the Palestinians.
Between July 28 and 30, the first business session of the "Two-State Solution" conference was held in New York, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, with high-level participation and the presence of Palestine, but absent from the United States, to support the process of international recognition of the Palestinian state.
