Latvia remains in favor of two-state solution, but will not recognize Palestinian state for now - Foreign Ministry

RIGA - The Latvian government's position on the recognition of a Palestinian state has not changed - Latvia is still in favor of a two-state solution, but will not recognize a Palestinian state for now.

As the Foreign Ministry's press secretary Diana Eglite told LETA, in line with the European Union's (EU) common position, Latvia supports the two-state solution reached in compliance with international law, including UN Security Council Resolutions of 2002 and 2024.

The resolution of 2024 provides for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and a negotiated solution to the conflict, according to the Foreign Ministry. In the resolution, members of the UN Security Council reaffirm their "unwavering commitment" to a two-state solution, where two democratic states coexist within a negotiated framework, the ministry explains.

The resolution 2002, in turn, refers to the Mitchell Report's recommendations to introduce confidence-building measures between the parties to the conflict, including efforts by the Palestinian Authority to combat terrorism and a freeze on Israeli settlement activity, the Foreign Ministry said.

As reported, the UK, Australia, Canada and Portugal recognized a Palestinian state on Sunday. Several Western countries have pledged to recognize the Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in New York this week.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to oppose the recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN talks, arguing that this would threaten Israel's existence and serve as an absurd reward for terrorism.