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French Lawmakers Demand Hollande to Recognize a Palestine Sovereign State | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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French President Francois Hollande speaks during the annual television interview at the Elysee Palace following the Bastille Day military parade in Paris, France, July 14, 2015. REUTERS/Alain Jocard/Pool


Riyadh – A group of French lawmakers signed a letter directed at French President Francois Hollande, calling on him to recognize the Palestinian Authority as a sovereign state.

Lawmakers, who represent different blocs, believe the people of Palestine have the right to self-determination and a sovereign state, and are demanding that President Hollande rises to the challenge at hand and recognizes a Palestinian State.

“Mr. President, rise to the challenge and do not miss your rendez-vous with the history by immediately recognizing the state of Palestine,” the joint letter, carried by Le Journal du Dimanche, read.

At least 154 French parliament members have signed the letter, the body’s latest attempt to revive their dialogue on a two-state solution in January ended in an impasse.

“France must show its determination to break the deadlock in the conflict by solemnly reaffirming in the name of the inalienable right to self-determination that Palestinians are entitled to statehood,” the letter stressed.

Most French political blocs, both right and left wings, had their representatives partake in the signing. Among the signatories was Socialist Party deputy Gilbert Roger.

Former head of the French Communist Party Marie-George Buffet, along with other politicians such as Pierre Laurent, Marie-Noëlle Lienemann and Mathieu Hanotin signed down on the letter.