Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos tells his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas that he supports the creation of a Palestinian state, but only after peace is made with Israel.
“Our position has always been very clear,” said Santos. “We want the Palestinian state to exist; not by imposing a vote or a resolution, but rather the product of negotiation as it is the only way to ensure peace. We in Colombia believe in peace as a fundamental right throughout the world.”
The president of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the support of the Colombian officials as a means for peace negotions with Israel.
“We do not seek to isolate nor de-legitimize Israel; we want to live with Israel and to make peace. We hope that Colombia’s efforts are successful, and we can begin negotiations,” said Abbas.
Colombia, a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, has so far refused to recognize a Palestinian state in line with its traditional allies the U.S. and Israel.