Brussels: Europe and the Arabs 
The Palestinian Presidency welcomed, on Wednesday, the announcement by the Prime Minister of Norway to recognize the State of Palestine, and that the procedures for issuing recognition decrees will be completed on May 28.
In a statement today, the Presidency appreciated Norway’s decision for its importance in enshrining the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination on their land and in taking actual steps to support the implementation of the two-state solution, stressing that the Kingdom of Norway has steadfastly supported the rights of the Palestinian people over the past years and has voted in favor of these rights in international forums. This initial decision comes as a culmination of these positions and is consistent with the principles of international law that recognize the right of peoples to get rid of colonialism and oppression and to live in freedom, justice and independence.
She stated that the right of peoples to self-determination is an established right recognized under international law, and the State of Palestine renews its continuous call to countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to stand up to their responsibilities and acknowledge the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and restore confidence in a global system based on rules and equal rights for all. Peoples of the Earth.
The Palestinian presidency urged the countries of the world, especially the European countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine, to recognize the State of Palestine in accordance with the internationally recognized two-state solution based on international legitimacy resolutions and the 1967 lines.
She thanked the brotherly and friendly countries that contributed to reaching this stage, appreciating the role of the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee, which continues its efforts, contacts, and appreciated visits in this regard.
It is noteworthy that 9 European Union member countries recognize the State of Palestine: Bulgaria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Cyprus, Malta, and Sweden.
For its part, the Palestine Liberation Organization welcomed, on Wednesday, Norway's recognition of the State of Palestine.
The Secretary of the Organization’s Executive Committee, Hussein Al-Sheikh, said in a statement: “Historic moments in which the free world triumphs for truth and justice after long decades of Palestinian national struggle, suffering, pain, occupation, racism, murder, oppression, abuse and destruction to which the people of Palestine were subjected.”
The Sheikh expressed his thanks to the countries of the world that have recognized and will recognize the State of Palestine, stressing that this is the path to stability, security and peace in the region. This came after Israel recalled its ambassadors to Ireland and Norway after their countries moved towards recognizing the State of Palestine, according to Sky News.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Storhe announced on Wednesday that Norway will recognize a Palestinian state as of the 28th of this month.
The Norwegian Prime Minister said, in his statements today, that Oslo must maintain the only alternative that provides a political solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike, which is two states living side by side in peace and security.
Storah pointed out that Norway believes that the two-state solution is in Israel's interest, pointing out that recognizing Palestine is a way to support the moderate forces that have lost their influence in this long, brutal conflict.
He also explained that recognizing a Palestinian state sends a strong message to other countries to follow the example of Norway and a number of European countries.
The Norwegian Prime Minister added that recognition of the State of Palestine may ultimately lead to resuming the process towards achieving the two-state solution and giving it a new impetus.
Stoura said that the ongoing war in Gaza made it clear that achieving peace and stability must be based on resolving the Palestinian issue, stressing that the goal is to establish a politically cohesive Palestinian state based on the Palestinian Authority.
For his part, an informed source told Reuters that the Irish government will announce recognition of a Palestinian state today, Wednesday.
Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and Malta, member states of the European Union, have indicated in recent weeks that they intend to recognize a Palestinian state, considering that the two-state solution is necessary for lasting peace in the region.
The Irish government said on Tuesday evening that the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister would speak to the media on Wednesday, but did not provide details.