Norway, Spain Officially Recognize Palestinian Statehood

Madrid and Oslo, Norway and Spain on Tuesday morning announced their official recognition of the State of Palestine, while Ireland is scheduled to follow suit later today. Before the Spanish government approved a decree recognizing the State of Palestine, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albarez said in a speech, "recognizing the State of Palestine is a historic step that allows the Palestinians and Israelis to achieve peace." "The adoption of the decision to recognize the State of Palestine is in line with UN resolutions and is not directed against any party," stressing that his country will not recognize any change to the 1967 borders, without the agreement of the Israelis and Palestinians, and the only path to peace is the two-state solution. The Spanish Prime Minister reaffirmed Spain's commitment to security in the region, and to working with Arab countries to hold a peace conference. He stressed that the priority now is to put an end to the unprecedented crisis in Gaza, open the crossings, and ca lled for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the entry of humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, Norway officially recognized the State of Palestine. "Norways official recognition of Palestine as a state has entered into force," the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. The statement added, "a number of other like-minded European countries will officially recognize Palestine on the same date." The three European countries announced this step simultaneously last week, with their leaders saying they hoped other countries would join the initiative, stressing that it would enhance the prospects for peace. With Spain, Norway and Ireland, the number of countries recognizing the State of Palestine rises to 147, out of 193 member states in the United Nations General Assembly. Source: Qatar News Agency