Lower House approves two motions on Palestine

(ANSA) - Rome, February 27 - Italy's Lower House approved two motions Friday on the issue of Palestine.
    One motion from the Democratic Party of Premier Matteo Renzi was approved by a vote approved with 300 votes in favor, 45 against and 59 abstentions.
    Its text commits the government "to continue to support the goal of ...establishment of a Palestinian state living side by side in peace, security and prosperity next to the state of Israel, on the basis of mutual recognition".
    The second, promoted by the New Centre Right (NCD), was more muted, without mention of the recognition of a Palestinian State but instead called for direct negotiations between Palestinian leaders and Israel.
    The votes are symbolic and do not change the Italian government's position which is to promote a two-state solution. In December, the European Parliament adopted a resolution supporting Palestinian statehood in principle.
    Israel has said recognising Palestinian statehood is premature and will make the Palestinian authorities less inclined to engage in peace talks.