Norway to officially recognize Palestine as a state on May 28, says PM

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store Wednesday said that the country is formally recognizing Palestine as a state. “There cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition,” Store said. Gahr Store said the Scandinavian country will recognize a Palestinian state as of May 28. Several European Union countries have in the past weeks indicated that they plan to make the recognition, arguing a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region. Norway which is not a member of the European Union but mirror its moves, has been an ardent supporter of a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. “Terror has been committed by Hamas and militant groups who are not supporters of a two-state solution and the state of Israel,” the Norwegian government leader said.