OSLO, Wednesday, May 22, 2024 (WAFA) – Norway will recognize the state of Palestine, according to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Gahr Støre said the Scandinavian country will officially recognize a Palestinian state as of May 28.

Norway's recognition of Palestine as a state comes in line with international law and relevant resolutions by the UN Security Council.

The territorial demarcation between the state of Palestine and the state of Israel should be based on the pre-1967 borders, i.e. the demarcation line as set out in the 1949 Armistice Agreements, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states and without prejudice to a final settlement on borders, including the use of land swaps.

Recognition of the state of Palestine is part of the follow-up to the 2023 decision in the Storting (Norwegian Parliament) that the Government may choose to recognise Palestine as a state at a time when the decision could be of value to the peace process and without any conditions relating to a final peace agreement.

The decision to recognize Palestine as a state is considered a matter of importance which, in accordance with Article 28 of the Constitution, requires approval by the King in Council of State. Following the adoption by Royal Decree on Friday 24 May, Palestine will be formally informed of the recognition by verbal note. Norway’s formal recognition of Palestine as a state will enter into force on Tuesday 28 May 2024.

The recognition of Palestine as a state means that Norway will consider Palestine to be an independent state with the rights and duties this entails. This includes, among other things, the expectation from Norway that all relations with Palestine will be founded on the fundamental rules of international law regarding independence, equality and peaceful coexistence.

K.T