New Delhi: Norway is formally recognising Palestine as a state.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said Wednesday, “There cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition.”
Gahr Støre said the Scandinavian country will recognise a Palestinian state as of May 28, news agency AP reported,
Several European Union countries have in the past weeks indicated that they plan to make the recognition, arguing a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region.
Norway, which is not a member of the European Union but mirrors its moves, has been an ardent supporter of a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
“The terror has been committed by Hamas and militant groups who are not supporters of a two-state solution and the state of Israel,” the Norwegian government leader said.