France: Palestinian recognition shouldn't be merely symbolic
PARIS - France's foreign minister said on Tuesday that Paris should recognize a Palestinian state only if doing so would help achieve peace, not as a symbolic gesture.
However, if negotiations between the Palestinians and Israel fail, Paris "would not shirk its responsibilities" but would recognize the Palestinian state, the minister, Laurent Fabius, said in answer to a question in parliament.
His remarks came a day after British lawmakers voted to recognise Palestine. Their vote will not alter government policy, but it does carry symbolic value as Palestinians pursue international recognition.
