Sweden becomes first EU state to recognize Palestine

BRUSSELS, Oct 30 (KUNA) -- Sweden Thursday became the first EU member state to recognize Palestine as an independent state.
Sweden's new foreign minister Margot Wallstrom wrote in the Swedish daily Dagens Nyheter that "Some will claim that today's decision comes too early. I'm rather afraid it's too late." "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," said Wallstrom, a former EU Commissioner.
In a first reaction in Brussels, Gianni Pittella, president of the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament, stated: "The Swedish government took a fundamental and courageous step towards a two-state solution, the only one which could solve the conflict between Israel and Palestine." "This is a fortunate day for Palestinian authorities as they see their political efforts in order to reach its legitimacy statehood recognised," he said.
"We are convinced the European Union, as such, should be much more involved in the peace process, starting with the urgent recognition of the need to establish two different state entities capable of cooperating side by side for the sake of both Israeli and Palestinian people," he added. (end) nk.rk