Stockholm- Today, the Swedish government became the first E.U. member to officially recognize the state of Palestine. Although 134 other countries recognized Palestine before Sweden including Hungary, Poland and Slovakia before even becoming a part of E.U.
The newly elected Prime Minister Stefan Lofven first announced this at his swearing-in ceremony on October 3 but he was not expected to follow through so soon.
“Some will claim that Thursday’s decision comes too early. I’m rather afraid it’s too late,” said Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom.
Palestinians are seeking to create a state in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and in Gaza, with East Jerusalem as their capital. They demand also that Israel withdraws from occupied Palestinian territories.