LOC20:59
17:59 GMT
CAPITALS, Oct 30 (KUNA) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas praised on Thursday the decision by Sweden to recognize an independent Palestinian state calling it a "historic moment."
The spokesman for the Palestinian leader Nabil Abu Rudainah said in a statement that such a decision runs in line with international law, particularly after the United Nations General Assembly's recognition of the State of Palestine as an observer member at the United Nations in 2012.
"The decision is a message to Israel and is in response to its practices and its continued occupation of Palestinian land," Abu Rudainah said.
He called on the international community to follow in Sweden's footsteps, saying it would contribute to peace through the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In a similar stance, the Arab League hailed the decision as a right one in realizing legitimate Palestinian rights.
Arab League Assistant Secretary General for Palestinian Affairs Ambassador Mohammad Sabih said that the recognition of the Palestinian state reinforces the path towards achieving just and comprehensive peace in the region.
Arab countries had attempted to reach the goal through establishing the Arab Peace Initiative and hosting peace negotiations - which were sponsored by the United States - in order to ease all obstacles that ensure the success of these negotiations.
On the regional legislative scale, the Arab League-formed Arab Parliament described the decision as "an important step" towards the empowerment of Palestinian rights and self-determination, according to Speaker Ahmad bin Mohammad Al-Jarwan.
Meanwhile, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also welcomed the sentiments, describing them as "an important step that will enable the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights." (end)
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