Poll: Europeans Back Palestinian Statehood Bid

By Haaretz September 12, 2011

As the foreign minister of the European Union met in Brussels Monday to try to define a common position on the expected Palestinian declaration of statehood next week, the citizens of Europe made it clear what they wanted to happen.

A new opinion poll published Monday shows that a majority of people in Germany, France and Britain – three countries that are critical votes in the battle over the Palestinian bid for statehood – all want their leaders to vote in favor of a UN resolution to support recognition of a Palestinian state when it’s discussed in New York.

The survey, which was carried out online by YouGov in Britain and Germany, and Ifop in France, on behalf of the global political web movement Avaaz – which is conducting an online petition in support of a Palestinian state – shows that in Germany 84% supported Palestinian statehood and 76% believed Germany should act now to recognize; in the U.K. the figures were 71% and 59%; and in France the figures were 82% and 69% respectively.

Ricken Patel, Executive Director of Avaaz, said in a statement: “The overwhelming majority of the British public have spoken – now David Cameron must listen.”

“The Prime Minister has a clear choice: stand with the British public, and 126 other nations to support a Palestinian state and a new path to peace, or side with the US government which continues to push a failed status quo,” Patel added.

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