Croatian and Swiss presidents discuss Palestinian statehood

President Zoran Milanović received his Swiss counterpart, Karin Keller-Sutter, in the nation's capital earlier today. 

The two leaders discussed bi-lateral relations as well as international issues, such as the UN's declaration of genocide being committed by Israel in Gaza.

"The Palestinians have the right to their own state, and Croatia should have recognized it already," said Milanović.

However, he underlined that it must be proposed by the government and approved by Croatian Parliament.

"A few days ago, there was a vote at the UN General Assembly, where Croatia finally-moving from its previous position of opposing a ceasefire two years ago which allowed the slaughter to continue-has come to understand and accept that the old, so-called, two-state solution is the only viable solution. Either way, the Palestinians have a right to their own country and Croatia should recognize it," said the president.

He also commented on the report from the UN investigative commission that concluded genocide has been committed in Gaza. Milanović said he took a more conservative interpretation of true genocide; adding that extending the term to every horrific war crime carries its risks.

"Nevertheless, Israel and its leadership are fully responsible for the bestial war crimes they are carrying out in Gaza in a deliberate, premeditated, and systematic manner," said Milanović.

President Keller-Sutter said that the recognition of Palestine was the end and not the beginning of a process.

"As far as Switzerland is concerned, certain prerequisites must be met for the recognition of Palestine. Switzerland has continuously called for a ceasefire and for the hostages to be released, for a humanitarian corridor to be opened and aid to be provided, because the situation in Gaza is a humanitarian disaster," said Keller-Sutter.

As for Croatia and Switzerland, they agreed that relations are good. The Swiss President noted her country's large and valuable Croatian diaspora community.