Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan told parliament on Monday, September 22, that Singapore has “always supported a negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict” and will continue to stand by that principle. Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. Photo courtesy: www.instagram.com/vivianbalakrishnan/He explained that recognition would only be possible when there is a unified and effective Palestinian government that “accepts Israel’s right to exist and categorically renounces terrorism”. Dr Balakrishnan closed by emphasising that compromise is essential: “The Israeli people and Palestinian people both exist as an objective reality. There can be no ‘river-to-the-sea’ for either side.”He added that only a negotiated two-state solution, consistent with United Nations Security Council resolutions, can bring lasting peace.