`Iceland formally recognizes Palestinian state`

16.12.2011 [12:16]
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Baku, December 16 (AZERTAC). PA hopes that move will lead others to follow suit; Iceland becomes first Western country to recognize Palestinian territories as an independent state.

Iceland on Thursday became the first west European country to formally recognize a Palestinian state, three months after the Palestinians began to seek full membership of the United Nations with peace talks with Israel seemingly frozen indefinitely.

“This will surely have positive influence on other states to follow the same steps,” Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki told a news conference in Reykjavik.

“Iceland didn`t only talk the talk, we walked the walk,” Icelandic Foreign Minister Ossur Skarphedinsson said. “We stood by our word, we have supported the Palestinian cause and today will not be the end of that, we will continue to do so.”

Iceland`s recognition is expected to amount to little more than a symbolic step as the Palestinian Authority strives to get United Nations membership. Its quest for a seat at the international body has so far failed.

`Iceland formally recognizes Palestinian state`

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