At Last, a Palestinian State!

It was about time! After a sixty-year wait, and with the persistent opposition of the Israeli government (but not of a good part of its citizens) the international community is finally going to recognize the State of Palestine in a vote to be held tomorrow during the General Assembly of the United Nations.

I am pleased that the institution that lighted the way with glowing beacons for Palestine’s “take-off” was UNESCO, whose General Conference approved the Palestinian State’s membership in the Organization by a huge majority over a year ago.

For the moment the United Nations will grant Palestine “observer” or “associate state” status, but the adjective is of little importance. What is important is that Palestine be recognized as a State, which will undoubtedly facilitate a new era in which the peace process may be rapidly concluded.

Tomorrow I will especially be remembering Yasser Arafat, whom I met for the first time in 1987 and who did so much to make this dream come true, and Yitzhak Rabin, whose great vision and courage was about to make peaceful coexistence a reality... and perhaps he was assassinated precisely for that reason.

Congratulations to the United Nations for its decision. Congratulations to UNESCO for having taken that first step.

Congratulations, with much affection, to the Palestinian people.

At last, a Palestinian State!