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Sweden recognizes Palestine
STOCKHOLM.— Sweden recognizes Palestine as an
independent state, declared Swedish Minister of
Foreign Affairs Margot Wallström, on October 30.
According to Swedish site DN.Debatt,
Wallström stated, “Today the government has made the
decision to recognize the state of Palestine.
“It is an important step which confirms
Palestinians’ right to self-determination. We hope
this decision shows the way for other countries,”
she added.
Palestinian President, Mahmud Abbás, described the
decision as “historic,” reported RT.
According to Haaretz, The Israeli Ministry of
Foreign Affairs recalled its minister, Isaac
Bachman, from Stockholm for consultation.
During his inaugural speech on October 3, Sweden’s
Prime Minister, Stefan Löfven, announced that the
country would recognize the State of Palestine,
stating, “The two-state solution requires mutual
recognition and the desire for peaceful
coexistence.”
Sweden has become the first EU member state to
recognize Palestinian sovereignty. Slovakia, Hungary
and Poland also recognize Palestine, but made the
decision before joining the bloc.
In 2012 the UN General Assembly approved a
resolution to grant the State of Palestine,
non-member observer status. (RT)
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