Romanian PM Pledges Support to Israel

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu met with Romanian Prime Minister, Emil Boc today in the capital city of Bucharest, where Boc announced that he opposes a unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state. It is expected that in September, the Palestinians will ask the U.N. General Assembly to recognize their independence.

“Romania believes in a two-state solution reached through negotiations, not through unilateral Palestinian actions,” said Boc, following his meeting with Netanyahu. “We reaffirmed our country’s position that a negotiated solution between the parties, with no unilateral solution, is the only way to ensure real and solid grounds for a lasting peace.”

Netanyahu is currently travelling across Europe in attempt to gather support against the recognition of a Palestinian state. The European Union is trying to find a common position on the issue, however most EU countries are still divided. Israeli officials say that Germany and Italy are likely to side with Israel, while France has vowed to support recognition of a Palestinian state if negotiations between Israel and Palestinians fail to reopen by September.

“It’s important for us to convey the message that any unilateral step can only harm the process, can only harm the chances of reaching a reasonable accord in the Middle East,” said Israeli Foreign Minister, Avigdor Lieberman.

In addition to European support, Lieberman says that the North American counties of Canada and the United States have pledged to back Israel in September. On the other hand, most Arab and Muslim countries can be expected to support the Palestinian bid.

“Israel is currently busy trying to get the moral majority in the United Nations,” said Lieberman, who also acknowledged that Muslim and unaligned nations make up about 125 to 130 countries. “We don’t have any illusions.” The next stop on Netanyahu’s tour will be in Bulgaria on Thursday.

The Palestinians are trying to win the support of 129 out of 192 countries in the General Assembly, which amounts to approximately two thirds. They are reportedly thirteen countries short of their target at the moment. The assembly’s decision would require approval by the Security Council, where the United States has already indicated that it will veto the recognition of Palestinian statehood if it lacks a properly negotiated peace deal.