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21:12 GMT
CAIRO, Dec 7 (KUNA) -- Egypt hailed as a "positive step" on Tuesday the
recognition by Brazil and Argentina of the State of Palestine within the 1967
borders.
The move of the two Latin American countries shows that the Palestinians'
legitimate quest for a fully sovereign and independent state with East
Jerusalem as its capital gains a large-scale international approval, Egyptian
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hosam Zaki said in a press briefing here.
"The move is the fruit of sincere efforts made by the Palestinian leaders
in lobbying for statehood and building the state institutions, and reflects
the credibility of the dedicated Palestinian leadership," Zaki affirmed.
"It signals international appreciation for the Palestinians' quest for
peace and for the resumption of talks with Israel on a negotiated settlement
to the Middle East conflict," he added.
The Egyptian official voiced hope that the move would encourage more
countries to follow suit and back up the Palestinian stance. (end)
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