Palestinians hail Swedish statehood move

Palestinians have hailed Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven’s decision to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state as “courageous”.

“We salute the announcement by the Swedish prime minister,” senior Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat said in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah on Friday.

“We hope that all countries of the European Union will take the same courageous and remarkable decision… as there is no reason not to recognize the Palestinian state,” Erakat added.

Earlier in the day, newly-elected Prime Minister Lofven made the announcement during his inaugural address in the parliament.

“A two-state solution requires mutual recognition and a will to peaceful co-existence. Sweden will therefore recognize the state of Palestine,” he said.

A US State Department spokeswoman labeled recognition of the Palestinian state as “premature”.

Sweden’s move solidifies its reputation as a significant voice in EU international and foreign policy affairs.

On November 29, 2012, the 193-member United Nations General Assembly voted to upgrade Palestine’s status to non-member observer state.

The observer state status grants Palestinians access to UN agencies and the International Criminal Court (ICC), where they can file formal complaints against the Israeli regime.

Palestinians are seeking to create an independent state on the territories of the West Bank, East al-Quds, and the Gaza Strip and are demanding that Israel withdraw from the occupied Palestinian territories.

Tel Aviv, however, has refused to return to the 1967 borders and is unwilling to discuss the issue of al-Quds.