“In particular, there will need to be an effective Palestinian government that accepts Israel’s right to exist and categorically rejects terrorism.”
“Both sides have legitimate rights, and both peoples have a right to live in peace and dignity within secure borders,” he said.
In response to a supplementary question by MP Gerald Giam (WP-Aljunied) on what thresholds would need to be crossed for Singapore to recognise the state of Palestine, Dr Balakrishnan said the principle consideration is whether, when Singapore takes that step, it helps or hinders the progress towards peace.
That, in turn, depends on negotiations between both sides, he said.
Every country has to decide whether there is an effective Palestinian leadership that represents all Palestinians, has effective control over the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and has the mandate to negotiate with the Israelis, he added.
Different countries will have different thresholds and will arrive at an answer in their own time. It also depends on their domestic circumstances, he said.
“I would say that we are not going to lock ourselves in to a specific time or to whether or not other countries have made decisions in parallel, on the same fundamental question,” said Dr Balakrishnan.
Mr Giam then asked if Singapore might then be in a catch-22 situation where it does not recognise the state of Palestine because there is no effective government governing the territory, but current realities prevent an effective government from emerging.
Dr Balakrishnan said there are two different dimensions – whether there is an effective Palestinian leadership is a separate question from whether there is a recognisable Palestinian state.
He reiterated Singapore’s position that only a negotiated two-state solution will lead to enduring peace.
“Without those prerequisites, never mind the diplomatic and legal niceties. Without the recognition and respect of the other’s right to exist and without renouncing terrorism, these cycles of violence will recur.”
He also said Singapore has an unusual and unique privilege of being welcomed by all sides, including “warring parties”, because of our track record of principled, deliberate, careful diplomacy.
The conflict is difficult and complex, and is a “family quarrel in another family”, he added.
