Løkke rejects early Palestine recognition
Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Denmark’s Foreign Minister, does not agree with the analysis that early recognition of Palestine will pave a new path to peace. He argues that recognitions by countries like Sweden have not created momentum towards a two-state solution. Rasmussen states that the prerequisites for recognizing Palestine as a state, such as control over its territory and functioning authorities, are not currently met. Despite Ireland, Norway, and Spain announcing their intention to recognize Palestine, Denmark prefers such an acknowledgment as an incentive at the end of a peace process. Rasmussen notes challenges, including Hamas’s stance on Israel and the current Israeli government’s disinterest in a two-state solution but remains committed to long-term efforts for peace.