The National Assembly (National Assembly) of Slovenia supported the decision to recognize the independence and sovereignty of the State of Palestine with 52 votes in favor.
“Today’s recognition of Palestine as a sovereign and independent state sends hope to the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza,” said Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob, the Government of Slovenia announced on Platform X.
The opposition Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) withdrew the proposal for a consultative referendum on the recognition of Palestine, which it submitted on Monday, just before the start of the session. At the session, the party submitted a new proposal for calling a consultative referendum, and its deputies left the session.
Because of the new proposal, the session of the National Assembly was interrupted and a session of the parliamentary committee for foreign policy was called on the SDS proposal to call a consultative referendum. An extraordinary session of the National Assembly followed, where all 52 deputies present rejected the proposal to call a consultative referendum, Slovenian media reported.
According to Slovenian law, only the National Assembly (National Parliament) has the authority to recognize the independence of states.
At its session on May 30, the Government of Slovenia adopted a decision to propose to the State Assembly the recognition of Palestine as a sovereign and independent state, after which the Palestinian flag was symbolically displayed.
On May 9, the Government of Slovenia initiated procedures for the recognition of the State of Palestine. Then she announced that she would send the decision to the National Assembly no later than June 13.
Fajon: Slovenia is on the right side of history
Slovenia’s decision to recognize Palestine as a state is an expression of our commitment to peace and justice, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, Tanja Fajon.
“Today is a historic day. The National Assembly of Slovenia officially recognized Palestine, making it the 147th country to do so. This recognition is an expression of our dedication to peace and justice. Slovenia is on the right side of history, contributing to a two-state solution for lasting peace.” the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia wrote on Platform X.
She expressed her regret that the opposition “failed to take this brave step, because ultimately it is about correcting historical injustices and recognizing the right to self-determination.”
“The Palestinian right to a state is the basis of a just solution to the conflict,” said Fajon.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia published a Fajon statement on platform X, in which it stated that today’s decision by Slovenia is a “message of hope and peace.”
“Dear people of Palestine, Slovenia’s final decision today is a message of hope and peace. We believe that only a two-state solution can lead to lasting peace in the Middle East. Slovenia will tirelessly continue to work for the security of both nations, Palestinians and Israelis,” said Fajon, AA writes.
