The European Parliament on Wednesday passed a resolution supporting recognition of Palestinian statehood and the two-state solution to the Middle East conflict.

The EU parliament supports “in principle recognition of Palestinian statehood and the two state solution, and believes these should go hand in hand with the development of peace talks, which should be advanced,” the resolution said.

It also decided to launch a “Parliamentarians for Peace” initiative to bring together MEPs and MPs from the Israeli and Palestinian parliaments, a statement on the parliament’s website said.

The resolution passed by 498 votes to 88, with 111 abstentions.

The statement said the parliament reiterated “its strong support for the two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states, with the secure State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security on the basis of the right of self-determination and full respect of international law.”

It added that MEPs also condemn in the strongest terms all acts of terrorism or violence.

It also urged Palestinian factions to end internal divisions.

The statement reiterated that settlements were illegal under international law and called on the EU to become a genuine facilitator in the peace process.

(Ma’an and agencies – www.maannews.net)