Spanish PM pressures EU to recognize state of Palestine 'to move towards a peace process'

Spain, along with Ireland, Slovenia and Malta, are pressing the European Union to recognize the state of Palestine to allow progress "towards a peace process." 

In a meeting held on Friday on the sidelines of the European Council, the leaders of the four countries signed a text stating their "readiness" to recognize Palestine "when it can make a positive contribution and the circumstances are right." 

"The only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region is through implementation of a two-state solution, with Israeli and Palestinian States living side-by-side, in peace and security," the statement said. 

At a press conference following the meeting, the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, stressed that the statement was "a decisive step" to resolve the crisis in Gaza and "set the foundations" to guarantee "security and peace."