Norway, Ireland and Spain recognize Palestinian state

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said he would recognise an independent Palestinian state from May 28 in the hope that this would help bring peace with Israel. He said "there can be no peace in the Middle East without a recognised Palestinian state".

"Norway supports the Arab peace plan by recognizing a Palestinian state," he said.

Although not a member, Norway has made similar moves to the European Union. Therefore, its enthusiastic support for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine is considered a remarkable thing.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere (right) and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide speak during a press conference in Oslo, Norway, May 22. Photo: AP

On the same day, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said the country would recognise a Palestinian state from May 28, and said he expected other countries to follow suit in the coming weeks.

He said the two-state solution was the only credible path to peace and security for Israel, Palestine and their people.

He added that Ireland had unequivocally recognised Israel and its right to exist "in safety and peace with its neighbours", and called for the immediate return of all Gaza hostages.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said his country would recognize the State of Palestine also on May 28. Mr. Sánchez's announcement was made in the country's parliament on May 22.

Mr. Sánchez has spent months traveling through Europe and the Middle East to drum up support for recognition of a Palestinian state, as well as a possible ceasefire in Gaza.

“We know that this initiative will not bring back the past and the lives lost in Palestine, but we believe that it will give Palestinians two things that are very important for their present and future: dignity and hope,” said Mr. Sánchez.

“This recognition is not against anyone, it is not against the Israeli people,” Mr. Sánchez added, but also acknowledged that it would likely cause diplomatic tensions with Tel Aviv. “It is an act in favor of peace, justice and moral consistency.”

Mr Sánchez argued that the move was necessary to support the viability of the two-state solution, which he said was “in grave danger” with the war in Gaza.

The recognition of the State of Palestine by three more European countries was quickly condemned by Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Katz ordered the immediate recall of the Israeli ambassadors from Ireland and Norway.

Foreign Minister Katz said the recognition could hamper efforts to return 128 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and reduce the possibility of a ceasefire, while also undermining Israel's right to self-defense.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed Norway's recognition of the state of Palestine and called on other countries to follow suit. He said Norway's decision would protect the "right of the Palestinian people to self-determination" and support efforts to achieve a two-state solution with Israel.

Hoai Phuong (according to Reuters, AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/na-uy-ch-ireland-va-tay-ban-nha-dong-loat-cong-nhan-nha-nuoc-palestine-post296460.html