S’pore will reconsider its position on Palestine if situation deteriorates: Vivian

Republic will oppose any steps by Israel to extinguish or undermine two-state solution

- Anjali Raguraman Correspondent

Smoke billowing from inside the Gaza Strip on Sept 22. Singapore has consistently affirmed the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and their own state, said Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.

(PHOTO: AFP)

Singapore will recognise the state of Palestine when it has an effective government that accepts Israel’s right to exist and categorically renounces terrorism, said Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on Sept 22.

At the same time, the city-state’s support for a two-state solution means it will oppose any steps by Israel to extinguish or undermine such an outcome, he added.

“Singapore cannot recognise any unilateral annexation of occupied territory, because this would be a flagrant breach of international law,” he told the House.

With events unfolding quickly, Singapore will continue tracking developments in Gaza closely. Should the situation continue to deteriorate, or if Israel takes further steps to extinguish a two-state solution, the Republic will reconsider its position on recognising a Palestinian state, said Dr Balakrishnan.

In a ministerial statement to Parliament, the Foreign Minister said Singapore has so far maintained its position on recognising a Palestinian state, while doing as much as it can to help the Palestinian Authority strengthen its capabilities.

“Our position today is not if, but when to recognise (Palestine), and we are waiting for that appropriate constellation of factors to be in (place),” he said.

Dr Balakrishnan was replying to 13 questions that MPs had filed on the conflict, including the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Singapore’s diplomatic efforts to help.

Along with a large majority of United Nations member states, Singapore recently voted in favour of a resolution endorsing the New York Declaration to support a two-state solution.