Sweden formally recognised the state of Palestine on Thursday, becoming the first European Union member to do so, reports AFP.
The decision, which came ahead of schedule, has been criticised by Israel.
“Some will claim that today’s decision comes too early. I’m rather afraid it’s too late,” Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom wrote in the Swedish daily Dagens Nyheter.
“The past year, we’ve seen how the peace negotiations once again have halted, how decisions on new settlements on occupied Palestinian land have obstructed a two-state solution and how violence has returned to Gaza.”
Hungary, Poland and Slovakia recognised the state of Palestine before joining the EU.
Related articles:
UK recognition of Palestine criticised by Israel (15 Oct 2014)
UK MPs vote overwhelmingly in favour of recognising Palestine (13 Oct 2014)
Scotland calls for Palestinian statehood recognition (1 Oct 2014)
Sweden defends decision to recognise Palestine statehood amidst US and Israeli criticism (05 Oct 2014)
Sweden to officially recognise Palestine (03 Oct 2014)
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