STORY: Spain's stance on Palestinian issue shows leadership in Europe: expert
SHOOTING TIME: April 12, 2024
DATELINE: April 13, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:42 
LOCATION: BARCELONA, Spain 
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. SOUNDBITE 1 (Spanish): JOAQUIN BELTRAN, Professor of political science and specialist in Asian studies at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB)
2. various of the plenary session of the Spanish Congress of Deputies in Madrid (Dec. 19, 2023)
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Spanish): JOAQUIN BELTRAN, Professor of political science and specialist in Asian studies at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB)

STORYLINE:

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday reiterated the need for recognizing a Palestinian State as part of the solution to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Joaquin Beltran, a professor of political science and specialist in Asian studies at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), emphasized Spain's leadership role within Europe regarding this issue.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Spanish): JOAQUIN BELTRAN, Professor of political science and specialist in Asian studies at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB)
"Certain European countries will likely advocate for recognition of a Palestinian state in the end and Spain has committed itself to doing so and is thus showing leadership on this issue on a European level."

Beltran stressed the need for collective action by the European Union and decisive political engagement to promote peace in Gaza, echoing global calls for a two-state solution.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Spanish): JOAQUIN BELTRAN, Professor of political science and specialist in Asian studies at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB)
"While the European Union has yet to take significant measures, individual countries like Spain are considering recognizing Palestine as an independent state, aligning with the demands of China and much of the Global South.
China has consistently called for an end to the conflict in Palestine and emphasized the importance of recognizing a Palestinian state as a crucial step toward peace.
This conflict cannot be resolved through the defeat of one side; rather, it requires a peace process and dialogue to reach a mutual agreement."

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store welcomed Spain's initiative on Friday, stressing the need for close coordination with "like-minded countries" in making such decisions.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Barcelona, Spain. 
(XHTV)