Finland to agree on a declaration promoting a two-state resolution between Israel and Palestine

Finland is set to join a significant international effort towards achieving a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians. The Finnish government, though divided on the question of recognizing Palestinian statehood, has unanimously adopted a report on foreign and security policy that supports the adoption of the French-Saudi declaration.

The process led by France and Saudi Arabia is the most substantial international effort in years to create the conditions for a two-state solution. Numerous countries, including France and Britain, have vowed to recognize Palestinian statehood on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly in September.

Finland's President, Alexander Stubb, has expressed readiness to recognize Palestinian statehood if presented with a proposal. However, no specific date has been set for Finland's commitment to recognizing the state of Palestine. The President, while having limited powers, coordinates foreign policy in close cooperation with the government.

The Finnish foreign policy and security committee, which includes the President, Prime Minister, and members of the cabinet, has agreed to sign the French-Saudi declaration on a two-state solution between Israelis and the Palestinians. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, announced Finland’s signing of the French-Saudi draft declaration.

However, not all parties in the Finnish government are in agreement. The far-right Finns Party and the Christian Democrats, led by Agriculture and Forestry Minister Sari Essayah, are opposed to recognizing Palestinian statehood. Essayah expressed her dissenting opinion to Finland's foreign policy and security committee.

This decision comes as a step forward in the international community's efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The French-Saudi declaration is seen as a significant step towards a negotiated settlement between the two parties. The exact implications of Finland's signing of the declaration remain to be seen, but it is clear that the country is committed to recognizing the state of Palestine at some point in the future.