(VOVWORLD) -Slovenia recognized a Palestinian state on Tuesday after its parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of the move, following in the recent steps of three other European countries, Spain, Norway, and Ireland.
 Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
“Today’s recognition of Palestine as a sovereign and independent state sends hope to the Palestinian people in the West Bank and in Gaza,” Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob wrote on the government’s account on social network platform X after the vote.
Slovenia’s decision came days after Spain, Norway and Ireland recognized a Palestinian state, a move that was condemned by Israel. Previously, eight members of the 27-nation European Union officially recognized a Palestinian state, including Sweden, Cyprus, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria. Malta has said it could follow soon.
The UK and Australia said they are considering a similar move, while France said it was not the right time to recognize the Palestinian state. Germany and the US said they believe that a two-state solution can only be achieved through dialogue.