French Foreign Minister: Conditions Not Yet Ripe for Recognition of a Palestinian State

French Foreign Minister Stéphane Sigourney stated today, Wednesday, that "the conditions are not yet ripe for the recognition of a Palestinian state," following announcements from other European countries regarding such a step in hopes of advancing the peace process in the region. Sigourney noted in a statement: "This is not a symbolic issue or a matter of political stance, but a diplomatic tool aimed at reaching a solution based on two states living side by side in peace and security." He added: "France does not consider that the conditions are favorable at this time for this decision to have a tangible impact on this process (peace)."