Recognition of State of Palestine
The Taoiseach said no formal request for recognition had been received and referred to the Government’s previously stated position. Higgins asked about the origin and review of recognition criteria; the Taoiseach described them as a current synopsis of international law.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government have been approached to give recognition to the independent State of Palestine.
Comment on this
The Government have not received a formal request to give recognition to the independent state proclaimed by the Palestine National Council on 15 November 1988. The subject has, however, been addressed by the Government. I would refer the Deputy to the statement made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs in Dáil Éireann on 21 February.
The statement on that occasion on the question of Ireland's relations with the PLO incorporated the Government's position on recognition of the Palestinian State which the Minister for Foreign Affairs had first set out for the House on 13 December 1988. The position is as follows: Ireland follows the criteria in international law which are applicable to the recognition of states. These criteria are that the state in question possess (i) a defined territory (ii) a permanent population (iii) a sovereign government exercising effective control and (iv) a capacity to enter into international relations. It is clear that while Israel continues to function as an occupying power, the Palestinian State proclaimed on 15 November 1988 will lack some or all of these attributes. The conditions for granting formal legal recognition are, therefore, not present. The Government consider, however, that in the context of a negotiated settlement, the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination includes their right to an independent state. It is our hope that the Palestinian State proclaimed on 15 November 1988 will — in the context of a negotiated settlement — become an entity to which Ireland can extend formal legal recognition.
I would add that none of the Twelve members of the European Community has recognised an independent state of Palestine. The Twelve have, however, indicated that they attach particular importance to the decisions taken by the Palestinian National Council in November last, saying that they reflect the will of the Palestinian people to assert their national identity.
Comment on this
In relation to the Government's criteria for the recognition of States, can the Taoiseach tell me when these were established, whether they are ever subjected to review or whether they arise from the principle of continuity?
Comment on this
I would perhaps describe them as a synopsis of the international law on the subject and as the Deputy knows full well international law changes from time to time, but this is the present position.