Swedish government recognizes Palestinian state

STOCKHOLM – Sweden on Thursday became the biggest Western European country to recognize a Palestinian state, prompting a strong protest from Israel, which swiftly withdrew its ambassador from Stockholm.

The move by Sweden’s new left-leaning government reflects growing international impatience with Israel’s nearly half-century control of the West Bank and east Jerusalem and its blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom said Sweden, fulfilling a promise made when the Social Democratic-led government took office earlier this month, believes the Palestinians have met the criteria under international law for such recognition.

It is the third Western European nation to recognize a Palestinian state, after Malta and Cyprus.

Associated Press