Espen Lindback, Norway’s Ambassador to Jordan, affirmed that his country’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine reflects Norway’s longstanding stance that a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved through a two-state solution.
In an exclusive statement to “Al-Ghad,” Lindback said, “The Norwegian government believes that Palestinians have a fundamental and independent right to self-determination, and that both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live peacefully in their respective states.”
Jordan welcomed the decisions by Norway, Ireland, and Spain to recognize the State of Palestine. In previous statements, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi said, “Other European countries are following this path, and we believe it is a necessary and essential step to counter the Israeli government’s rejection of the two-state solution.”
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced two days ago that Norway will recognize the State of Palestine, stating that “amid a war causing tens of thousands of casualties, we must uphold the only viable alternative that offers a political solution for both Israelis and Palestinians, which is the two-state solution where both can coexist in security and peace.”
Støre emphasized that Norway has long pursued a two-state solution through years of diligent work. “This recognition highlights Norway’s clear position that the only lasting solution to the conflict in the region is the actual implementation of the two-state solution,” he said.
The Prime Minister reiterated that Palestinians have an undeniable right to self-determination and their own independent state.
“Both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in security and peace in their own independent states. Peace in the Middle East will not be achieved without the two-state solution, and there cannot be a two-state solution without the establishment of a Palestinian state.
In other words, the existence of a Palestinian state is a prerequisite for peace in the Middle East,” Støre concluded.
