Paet: Palestine Not Ready for Statehood
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said Estonia will not follow suit and recognize Palestine, as it does not fill all necessary criteria.
“Most nations, including Estonia, believe it is important to continue talks with Israel, which would lead to all necessary agreements. The creation of a Palestine state would then not be accompanied by new and fundamental problems which would arise today,” Paet said.
Head of Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson said a lasting peace settlement takes priority.
“Avoiding unilateral actions is key, and Palestine's level of organization should exclude fighting between rival factions,” Mihkelson said.
Estonia has regularly donated funds to Palestine, but, unlike the Nordics, has abstained on any UN vote for greater rights for the region.