Britain will back recognition of Palestinian state if it commits to negotiations with Israel, says William Hague

Published on 28/11/2012 14:00

BRITAIN is ready to back calls at the United Nations for recognition of a Palestinian state if it gives a commitment to an immediate and unconditional return to the negotiating table with Israel, Foreign Secretary William Hague said today.

In a statement to the House of Commons, Mr Hague said he would also be seeking an assurance that the Palestinians would not seek to extend the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court over the occupied territories before deciding which way to vote in tomorrow’s debate at the UN General Assembly.

“Up until the time of the vote itself, we will remain open to voting in favour of the resolution if we see public assurances by the Palestinians on these points. However, in the absence of these assurances, the United Kingdom would abstain on the vote,” he said.