LUXEMBOURG CITY, Sept 16 — Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden informed the parliamentary committee on Foreign and European Affairs on Monday that the country will recognize the state of Palestine, with formalization set for an international conference in New York next week on implementing the two-state solution. The conference, chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, follows the adoption of the “New York Declaration” by the United Nations General Assembly on September 12, according to details received by The Chenab Times.
Frieden, appearing with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel, described the decision as 99% certain. This marks a shift after Bettel previously resisted public and parliamentary pressure to recognize Palestine. Committee chairman Gusty Graas (DP) noted that announcements from major countries like France, the United Kingdom, and Canada have provided momentum for Luxembourg’s position.
Graas acknowledged reservations among some coalition members, particularly due to U.S. threats of sanctions on countries recognizing Palestine. “I readily admit that some members of the coalition have certain reservations about this, especially since the U.S. has announced that it will impose sanctions on countries that recognise Palestine,” Graas said. He added, “It must be clear that we will not allow ourselves to be blackmailed,” and described the daily bombing of a population and their living conditions as “absolutely cruel.”
The U.S. has imposed travel sanctions on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, likely preventing his attendance at the UN General Assembly from September 22 to 30. Graas called these restrictions “unacceptable.”
Frieden and Bettel avoided questions on Luxembourg’s financial regulator, the CSSF, approving Israel’s sovereign bond sales after Ireland withdrew amid Gaza war opposition. They stated the CSSF operates independently, and the issue will be discussed at a parliamentary finance committee meeting on Tuesday with finance ministry and CSSF representatives.
Reactions varied: Vice-President Yves Cruchten (LSAP) welcomed the step, suggesting coordination with Spain, Slovenia, Malta, Norway, Ireland, Belgium, France, and the UK would have been ideal. ADR’s Fred Keup called it a “180-degree turnaround,” criticizing the reversal from conditional support for a two-state solution, including hostage release, Hamas disarmament, and democratic reforms in Palestine. Greens’ Sam Tanson praised the announcement as “better late than never” and called for sanctions on Israel for its response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.
A Polindex survey published on Friday showed broad support among Luxembourg voters and residents, with Gaza and Palestine scoring 6/10 in importance. Nationals rated recognition at 7.1/10, foreigners at 6.8/10. While outrage over Israeli actions in Gaza was widespread, including support for the ICC arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu, respondents also condemned the Hamas attacks as violations of international law.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
