Abbas calls for recognition of Palestinian state during Berlin visit

BERLIN (AA) - President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday called on Germany and other European countries to recognize Palestine's statehood, and support his efforts for a solution to the Middle East conflict.

“Recognizing Palestine's statehood will help us, and will support finding a solution,” Abbas told a joint news conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

“All we want is freedom and stability in a sovereign and democratic state, in which all citizens will enjoy equal rights,” he stressed.

Abbas slammed the Israeli government for undermining peace efforts, and accused Israel of acts of apartheid against the Palestinian people.

“Palestine is under occupation for decades, this must come to an end,” he said.

Abbas said that if Palestinian statehood is recognized by more countries, and Palestine wins full membership at the United Nations, this would pave the way for new momentum, and would facilitate a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The German chancellor, in his turn, expressed his government’s support for a negotiated two-state solution, and he also criticized Israel’s expansion of settlements, which led to more tensions in the region.

But Scholz also noted that they had differences with Abbas on a number of issues, including his description of Israel as an apartheid state.

“I don’t think that it correctly describes the situation,” he said.

Scholz said his government will continue to support international efforts for a political solution to the Middle East conflict, but will not support unilateral initiatives, which could undermine these efforts.

“Palestine has an observer status in the UN, I don’t think that it’s the right time now to change this,” he said.