Spain: Palestine situation differs from that of Kosovo

Spain is one of five European Union countries along with Cyprus, Greece, Slovakia and Romania, which do not recognise Kosovo's citizenship, declared in February 2008.

The main reason for Spain's nonrecognition of the state of Kosovo is believed to be linked to the Spanish stance regarding the aspirations of its northeast region, Catalonia, to be independent.

This region has had some unsuccessful efforts to separate from Spain, while official Madrid has strongly opposed the move.

The situation in Palestine is different. The recognition of the state of Palestine does not affect Israel's territorial integrity, since that territory has never been legally part of the state of Israel”, said Elena Alyarilla Cortezon, media adviser to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a response to Radio Free Europe.

According to her, the decision made on May 28th to officially recognise Palestine's citizenship is in line with international law, the principles of the United Nations Charter, and the UN Security Council resolutions that are binding after being adopted.

The issue of Kosovo's recognition by Spain has been discussed at the EU foreign ministers' meeting, May 27th in Brussels.

Some sources have told Radio Free Europe that there have been open disputes between parties from Germany and Spain at this point.

While Germany was “very convincing” for Kosovo recognition, “Spain was on defense, arguing that Kosovo was not in the agenda”.

In line with Spain, Palestinian citizenship has recognised Norway on Tuesday.

Ireland will do the same, later in the day.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has said in the morning that his country will recognise Palestinian citizenship, including the Gaza Strip and the West Coast with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He has said Spain will not recognise any changes to borders defined in 1967, unless the sides agree.