No unilateral recognition

The German foreign minister expressed fairly clear opposition Monday to the unilateral establishment of a Palestinian state, though he did not explicitly say how Germany would vote on the matter.

Guido Westerwelle said in his address to the United Nations in New York on Monday that Berlin supported the establishment of a Palestinian state, but only after a negotiated settlement between Israelis and Palestinians.

"I don't want to leave any doubt here: the safety of Israel is a national interest for Germany," Westerwelle told the assembly.

"There will be no lasting peace without safety for Israel. Peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians are possible; a Palestinian state is possible; two countries standing side-by-side in peace is possible. But we can only get there through negotiations."

Westerwelle had prefaced this comment, however, by saying that Germany supported the concept of an "independent, sovereign, unified, democratic and politically and economically inhabitable" Palestinian state and was actively working towards one. He cited government aid and joint projects aiming to prepare the Palestinian administration, and improve key areas like infrastructure and education.

"We don't just want a Palestinian state at some point or other in the distant, uncertain future," Westerwelle said.

'Get back to the table'

The Middle East Peace Quartet - comprising the UN, European Union, United States and Russia - published its latest peace talks timetable on Friday, according to which fresh talks should begin within the month and a peace deal be inked one year from now. The ambitious document has been met with some skepticism, but Westerwelle said Germany would fully support the implementation of its goals.

"Both sides are now tasked with presenting comprehensive suggestions on borders and security in the next three months, while refraining from any acts of provocation," Westerwelle said, referring to the Middle East Peace Quartet's suggestions.

"There can be no escalation of violence in the Middle East as a result of any verbal confrontations here in New York," he said. "Therefore, I appeal to both sides - to Palestinians and Israelis - to both immediately restart peace talks. Both sides expressed willingness for a negotiated peace on Friday; now it's time to convert the energy and pressure of these past days into a constructive process."

In his New York address, Westerwelle also promised more monetary aid for North African countries that have undergone regime change as part of the so-called Arab Spring - though he cautioned that the path towards greater democracy would not be easy and would require time and patience. He also issued a renewed call for a UN resolution condemning Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's repression of anti-government protests.

Author: Mark Hallam (AFP, dapd, dpa)

Editor: David Levitz