Foreign minister hails Norway’s recognition of Palestinian state

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has described his country’s recognition of the state of Palestine as a “milestone’’ moment.
“For more than 30 years, Norway has been one of the strongest advocates for a Palestinian state. Today, when Norway officially recognises Palestine as a state, it is a milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine,” Mr Eide said in a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.
Norway, together with Ireland and Spain, announced last week that the recognition would come into force on Tuesday.
The governments hoped this would give new impetus to discussing a two-state solution.
Mr Eide said the recognition was a clear expression of support for the moderate forces among Israelis and Palestinians.
He said he was confident that the Palestinian government would lay the foundations for a government in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
“It is regrettable that the Israeli government shows no signs of engaging constructively.
“The international community must increase its political and economic support for Palestine and continue the work for a two-state solution,’’ he said.
(dpa/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Economy
Expert laments market distortion over FG’s gas equipment import duty waiver
Techno Oil CEO Nkechi Obi disclosed this in an interview in Abuja on Tuesday.

Abuja
FCT Minister Wike names Southern Parkway Road after Tinubu
He said the development of the Southern Parkway, now Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, at par with the Northern Parkway, was awarded in December 2010.

NationWide
Budget Padding: Nigerian Senate recalls suspended Abdul Ningi
Mr Ningi, the former chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, was suspended for three months over remarks on alleged budget padding by the Senate.

States
Bill to create Kogi anti-corruption agency passes second reading at state assembly
During Tuesday’s plenary, Mr Abdulrazak told the house that the bill, when passed into law, would assist the state government in combating corruption.

NationWide
ASUU demands stiffer penalties for tax evaders
He attributed poor funding of tertiary institutions and incessant industrial strikes to waivers granted to banks and other private institutions.

Faith
Pope Francis apologises for using offensive slang against gay men
Head of the Catholic Church Pope Francis has issued an apology after referring to gay men as “frociaggine.”