Palestine–Sweden relations explained

Palestine–Sweden relations are bilateral relations between the State of Palestine and Sweden. Sweden recognized Palestine as a sovereign state on 30 October 2014.[1] Palestine has an embassy in Stockholm, which opened in February 2015.[2]

History

Sweden voted in favor of the United Nations plan for the partition of Palestine in 1947.[3] Folke Bernadotte, a Swede, was a United Nations mediator in the Arab–Israeli conflict and put forward a peace plan before he was assassinated by the Zionist group Lehi in 1948 who accused him of favoring the Arabs.[4] During the 1980s, Sweden also mediated the US's lifting of the ban on holding direct talks with the PLO.[5]

In October 2014, Sweden recognised Palestinian statehood after the Social Democratic Party won a plurality in the 2014 general election.[6] Palestinians and their supporters welcomed Sweden's decision, viewing it as a significant step towards achieving international recognition for Palestine.[7]

In 2022, the Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström called the 2014 Palestine Recognition 'Premature and Unfortunate’. [8]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Sweden recognizes Palestinian state, hopes will revive peace process. 30 October 2014. Reuters.
  2. Web site: Israeli officials angry as Palestinian embassy opens in Sweden. 13 February 2015. Ya Libnan.
  3. Web site: Swedish statement at the UN Security Council Open Debate on the situation in Middle East, including the Palestinian question. 26 April 2018. Regeringskansliet.
  4. Web site: Lowell Thomas News Broadcasts · LTP.1948.06.10.XML · Marist Archives and Special Collections Exhibits and Collections .
  5. Web site: Swedes Played Key Role in PLO Diplomacy . . 15 December 1988 .
  6. Web site: Sweden officially recognises state of Palestine . . 30 October 2014 .
  7. News: Palestinians Hail Swedish Recognition . Radiofreeeurope/Radioliberty .
  8. News: Sweden's new FM says 2014 Palestine recognition was 'premature and unfortunate' . Haaretz . 22 November 2022 . Stavrou . David .