Slovenia postpones recognizing the independent state of Palestine after the opposition called for a referendum
The main opposition party in Slovenia has submitted a motion to request a referendum on the decision to recognize the independent state of Palestine, a move that could lead to a delay in the process of voting on the issue in the country's parliament.
The government approved the motion to recognize Palestine last week and the parliament was scheduled to approve the decision today, but the opposition party Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) has presented the motion before the decision was taken.
SDS leader Janez Jansa has claimed that the move to recognize the independent state of Palestine may harm Slovenia in the near future and announced that they have requested a referendum.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Tanja Fajon has described the action as hypocritical emphasizing that those who want to protect peace should also defend the solution of the creation of two states.
The ruling coalition, which has a majority in parliament, is expected to reject the referendum proposal.
The government of Slovenia approved the plan to recognize the independent state of Palestine in a meeting held last week.
Prime Minister Robert Golob told the media that they decided to recognize Palestine as an independent country with full authority by following the borders of 1967 in accordance with international law and relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.
Golob also said that they will take the decision to parliament and ask for the support of members of parliament.
Spain, Norway and Ireland have already announced the decision to officially recognize Palestine on May 28, making the number of countries that have recognized the independent state of Palestine so far reach 146.../
