France softens stance on immediate recognition of Palestinian state

France on June 6th softened its stance on recognising a Palestinian state, as the French foreign minister said that while his nation wants this move to progress, it needs to be more than a symbolic gesture, Al Monitor via AFP reported.

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said: “France could have taken a symbolic decision.” He added that “this is not the choice [France] made because it carries a responsibility as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.”

Barrot also said France would not recognise a Palestinian state on its own accord. The foreign minister appears to suggest that France is waiting to see if Gulf nations are also eyeing the recognition of the state.

Al Monitor via AFP