Sweden to Recognize Palestine Statehood

October 3, 2014

Sweden’s new centre-left government is to recognise the state of Palestine, according to Prime Minister Stefan Löfven. This will make Sweden the first major European country to do so. 

“The conflict between Israel and Palestine can only be solved with a two-state solution, negotiated in accordance with international law,” Löfven said during his inaugural address in parliament on Friday.

In November 2012, the UN general assembly voted to recognize Palestine as a “non-member observer state” - a move strongly opposed by Israel and the US. Only some EU-countries, such as Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, recognise Palestine, but they did so before joining the 28-member bloc.

In the words of Löfven, “A two-state solution requires mutual recognition and a will to peaceful coexistence. Sweden will therefore recognise the state of Palestine.”

Based on an article by The Guardian. 
Photo courtesy of George Khoury.