Norway, Spain, Ireland formally recognize a Palestine state

Norway, Spain and Ireland officially recognized Palestine as a state on Tuesday, reported Xinhua.

"For more than 30 years, Norway has been one of the strongest advocates for a Palestinian state. Today, when Norway officially recognizes Palestine as a state, is a milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine," Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said in a press release.

On Sunday, Eide handed over a formal document on the state recognition when he met Palestinian Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Mustafa in Brussels, Belgium.

"It was important to be able to hand over a formal letter personally to Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. He greatly appreciates Norway's commitment to Palestine and our work for a two-state solution. The recognition is a strong expression of support for moderate forces in both countries," said Eide.

During this trip, Eide also chaired two meetings focusing on the urgent situation in Palestine and the need for a two-state solution.

"It is regrettable that the Israeli government shows no signs of engaging constructively. The international community must increase its political and economic support for Palestine and continue the work for a two-state solution," he said.

Meanwhile, Ireland officially recognized Palestine as a statehood on Tuesday, in a move coordinated with Spain and Norway.

"The Government recognizes Palestine as a sovereign and independent state and agreed to establish full diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah," the Irish government said in a statement after it approved the recognition in a cabinet meeting.

"An Ambassador of Ireland to the State of Palestine will be appointed along with a full Embassy of Ireland in Ramallah," said the statement.

"Ireland recognizes the State of Palestine in the spirit of peace in a coordinated announcement with our friends and colleagues in Spain and Norway," it added.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said: "This decision of Ireland is about keeping hope alive. It is about believing that a two-state solution is the only way for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security."

In a coordinated move, Norway, Spain and Ireland announced last Wednesday their decision to recognize Palestine as a state on May 28. More than 140 countries have already recognized a Palestinian state, representing over two-thirds of the United Nations' membership.

Meanwhile, Spain officially recognized Palestine as a statehood on Tuesday, following approval in a Council of Ministers (cabinet) meeting chaired by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

"We have adopted recognition because it is fair to the Palestinian people, the only way to ensure security for Israel and ensure peace in the region," Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation Jose Manuel Albares told a news briefing.

In a declaration before the meeting, held at Moncloa Palace (presidency headquarters) in the Spanish capital, Sanchez said, "It is a historic decision with the sole objective of helping Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace."

He also said Spain would recognize a "viable" Palestinian state, including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank "connected by a corridor," unified under the Palestinian Authority and with East Jerusalem as its capital.

"We will not recognize changes to the 1967 borderlines other than those agreed upon by the parties," he added.

Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz also described the day as "historic." Meanwhile, she called for an arms embargo on Israel, saying recognizing Palestine was not enough.

In a coordinated move, Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced last Wednesday their decision to recognize Palestine as a state on May 28. More than 140 countries have already recognized a Palestinian state, representing over two-thirds of the United Nations' membership.