Swedish Ambassador summoned by Israel over recognition of State of Palestine
- 10 years ago
Sweden's Ambassador to Israel has been summoned to the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
He's been asked to explain the announcement by Sweden's new center-left government that it will recognize the State of Palestine.
Ambassador Carl Magnus Nesser defended the move, saying it's designed to support moderate Palestinians and aims to bring Israel and the Palestinians closer for renewing talks.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) SWEDISH AMBASSADOR, CARL MAGNUS NESSER SAYING:
"This is, in the government's view, a step towards resumption of successful negotiations to both parties and to make sure we support the Palestinians."
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called Sweden's decision "brave" and hoped other countries would follow suit.
But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the announcement was "unilateral" and goes against previous Mideast agreements.
(SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU SAYING:
"It would not bring the peac
He's been asked to explain the announcement by Sweden's new center-left government that it will recognize the State of Palestine.
Ambassador Carl Magnus Nesser defended the move, saying it's designed to support moderate Palestinians and aims to bring Israel and the Palestinians closer for renewing talks.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) SWEDISH AMBASSADOR, CARL MAGNUS NESSER SAYING:
"This is, in the government's view, a step towards resumption of successful negotiations to both parties and to make sure we support the Palestinians."
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called Sweden's decision "brave" and hoped other countries would follow suit.
But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the announcement was "unilateral" and goes against previous Mideast agreements.
(SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU SAYING:
"It would not bring the peac