"Right time" to recognize Palestinian state, Swedish FM tells FRANCE 24

Sweden became the first major Western country to officially recognise the state of Palestine on Thursday. The country's foreign minister tells FRANCE 24 why her government believes it is time other European countries followed suit.

Speaking from Stockholm, Margot Wallström said the "legal requirements" for recognition had been fulfilled.

"There is a people, there is a territory and there is a government," she said.

Asked about the timing of the move, Wallström said "now is a right time (...) because of the situation on the ground, to make this less unequal".

Israel has reacted angrily to Sweden's decision, recalling its ambassador for consultations.

But there was praise for the Swedish government from Palestinians, who called on other countries to match the move.

• Earlier this month, Britain's parliament recognised Palestine in a non-binding vote, and similar votes are in the pipeline in Spain, France and Ireland.

In response to the vote American philosopher and political activist Noam Chomsky told the United Nations that only support from the United States, which is unlikely, would allow for a Palestinian state.
http://www.france24.com/en/20141030-now-right-time-recognize-state-palestine-swedish-fm-wallstrom-tells-f24/
30/10/14

• https://www.youtube.com/user/france24

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