CAIRO: The Arab League on Wednesday welcomed the official recognition of the state of Palestine by Ireland, Norway and Spain.
The prime ministers of the three countries announced they were formally going to recognize Palestine as a state on May 28.
Arab League secretary-general, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, said this significant development underscores a genuine commitment to the two-state solution and shows the sincere desire of these countries to safeguard it from those seeking to undermine or eradicate it.
Aboul Gheit’s spokesman, Gamal Roshdy said that this important move follows the recent recognitions by Barbados, Bahamas Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago. He added now the total number of states recognizing the Palestinian state has reached approximately 147, aligning with the overwhelming international consensus.
Roshdy said such recognition is a basic aspect of the state’s standing in international law.
He quoted Abdul Gheit as saying this step embodies a principled moral, political, and legal stance adding that a significant milestone has been achieved toward realizing the Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Aboul Gheit said that it conveys a clear message to Palestinians that the world stands resolute in the establishment of an independent state and defending their right to self-determination.
He added that amid the current hardships, a political way leading to the realization of the Palestinian state is inevitable.
Aboul Gheit asked countries yet to recognize Palestine to reevaluate their positions and align themselves with the course of history.
He said that recognizing Palestine shows a genuine commitment to the two-state solution, diverging from violent approaches, and fostering security and peace across the region.
