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Notes On Slovenian Recognition of Palestine (Part 6, Finale)

After a day of tense politics, procedural manoeuvering in the parliament and dubious life choices in general, Slovenia last night recognised the State of Palestine.

Flag of Palestine was raised in front of the foreign ministry as Slovenia established formal diplomatic relations, despite Janez Janša doing everything to stop the vote in the parliament. — Palestinian flag was raised in front of the foreign ministry

Predictably, however, the more the debate dragged on, the less it was about Palestine and the more it was becoming about domestic politics, electoral soundbites and pure brinkmanship.

Notes On Slovenian Recognition of Palestine (Part 5)

In an inexplicable bout of na¨ivete, pengovsky really did expect Slovenian recognition of Palestine to actually happen this time around. Well, not so fast, said Janez Janša.

Slovenian recognition of Palestine is once again bogged down in parliamentary procedure. — *Recognition of Palestine is once again bogged down in parliamentary procedure*

The recognition will still likely happen, but probably not before the EU/referendums vote on Sunday. And oddly enough, there is a non-zero chance this somehow ends up helping Robert Golob.

Notes On Slovenian Recognition of Palestine (Part 4)

On Thursday, PM Robert Golob announced Slovenia will recognise the State of Palestine. Technically, a formal act by the parliament establishing diplomatic relations is still needed. But as the ruling centre-left coalition has a comfortable majority, this will most likely not be a problem.

The Ljubljana Castle was lit up in the colours of Palestine after Robert Golob annouced the recognition of the state. — *Ljubljana Castle was lit up in Palestinian colours the other day (source)*

Thus, come Tuesday, weeks of foreign policy enthusiasm followed by carefully scripted walk-backs will come to an end. And Muddy Hollows will finally establish top-level diplomatic relations with the remnants of West Bank and Gaza.

Notes On Slovenian Recognition of Palestine (Part 3)

Well…

(source)

In a completely predictable (and, indeed, predicted) turn of events the much-hyped initiative to recognise Palestine by Slovenian foreign minister Karl Erjavec unceremoniously petered out earlier today as the parliamentary committee on foreign affairs failed to vote on the motion, thus freezing the entire process and for all intents and purposes killing it.

Continue reading Notes On Slovenian Recognition of Palestine (Part 3)

Notes On Slovenian Recognition of Palestine (Part 2)

Remember the excitement that followed the announcement of imminent Slovenian recognition of Palestine? Well, guess what…

Slovenian ministry of foreign affairs (source)

Turns out Newton’s Third Law applies to diplomacy as well. Foreign minister Karl Erjavec made a big splash about it, declaring that the time is right, that Slovenia will press on with this regardless of support (or lack thereof) within the EU and that it’s about time this country shows it can craft and independent foreign policy. Only a week later his foot is dangerously close to meeting his mouth.

Continue reading Notes On Slovenian Recognition of Palestine (Part 2)