President Abbas Calls on Other Countries to Follow Ireland, Norway and Spain to Recognize Palestine

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. (Wikimedia Commons/men's

JAKARTA - President of the Palestinian Authority (PA) Mahmoud Abbas urged other countries to follow in the footsteps of Ireland, Norway, and Spain in recognizing the State of Palestine, welcoming the decision of the three European countries.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Wednesday that their countries recognize the State of Palestine and that recognition will take effect from May 28.

The Palestinian Presidency said Madrid's decision "reflects Spain's desire to support the Palestinian people and their inalienable and legitimate rights to their land and homeland," according to a statement cited by Palestinian news agency WAFA.

"Spain's decision, at this time, represents the contribution of countries that believe in the two-state solution as an option that represents international will and legitimacy, in saving this solution, which is being systematically destroyed as a result of Israeli policies, in particular through the continuation of the genocidal war in the Strip Gaza," said the Presidential Office, reported by CNN, May 22.

President Abbas said Norway and Ireland had "persistently supported the rights of the Palestinian people over the past years and supported these rights in international forums."

"This initial decision is the culmination of that position and is consistent with the principles of international law which recognize the right of peoples to escape colonialism and oppression and to live in freedom, justice, and independence," he said.

The Presidency called on other countries to "follow the example of Norway, Ireland, and Spain, which chose the path of supporting the achievement of peace and stability and consolidating the rules of international legitimacy, and international law."

In the aftermath of the recognition of the State of Palestine, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the withdrawal of its ambassadors from Ireland and Norway.