The Italian government’s intention to support the declaration for the creation of an independent Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly was announced by Antonio Tajani.

Speaking at an event in Palermo, Tajani said that on September 22, in New York, Italy “will join with conviction in a declaration within the UN framework, aimed at building a Palestinian state and ending hostilities.”

However, he clarified that support for the declaration does not imply direct recognition of Palestine as a state. “Recognition of a state without the conditions for its birth having been created will have no effect except to remove peace,” he had recently told the Italian parliament.

Tayani’s announcements mark a gradual shift in the foreign policy of Rome, which, unlike other states that have already unilaterally recognized Palestine, is choosing to support the goal of its creation while seeking more active participation in international initiatives for a two-state solution.