Nearly 70 Percent of UN Member States Officially Recognize Palestine, US Not Among Them

On Thursday October 30, 2014, Sweden became the 135th of 193 members of the United Nations (U.N.) to officially recognize Palestine as an independent state, raising the percentage of U.N. Member State recognition to nearly 70 percent.

 

According to the Washington Post, “the act sparked a tetchy diplomatic incident with Israel.” No surprise here.
Sweden Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom said, “In the light of the international law analysis, we see no reason to delay this decision,” CNN reported.

 

Sweden’s formal recognition comes a little less than two years after a vote by members of the U.N. General Assembly, wherein members overwhelmingly decided to accord Palestine “Non-member Observer State” Status. Of the 193-member body, members voted 138 in favor to just nine against, with 41 Member States abstaining.

 

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