De nieuwe Zweeds premier Stefan Loefven (Foto EPA)
The prime minister of the Kingdom of Sweden on Friday said that the country would recognize the State of Palestine, becoming the first major Western European state to do so. Prime Minister Stefan Loefven said during his inaugural address that "the conflict between Israel and Palestine can only be solved with a two-state solution, negotiated in accordance with international law."
"A two-state solution requires mutual recognition and a will to peaceful coexistence. Sweden will therefore recognize the state of Palestine," he added.
Although more than 134 countries around the world currently recognize the State of Palestine, the majority of Western Europe and North American have refused to do so out of deference to Israel.
Sweden's shift in position, however, suggests the possibility that others in Western Europe may follow suit, particularly given widespread anger at Israel's massive assault on Gaza over the summer that left more than 2,000 dead.
Sweden is the third EU country to recognize Palestina, the other two being Hungary and Poland. But these two countries recognized Palestine laready before they became a member of the EU.
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