RAMALLAH, June 21 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian presidency welcomed Friday Armenia's recognition of the State of Palestine, considering the decision an important step towards achieving peace and stability in the region, according to the Palestinian official news agency WAFA.
The Palestinian presidency expressed its thanks to Armenia for the step that reflects the friendship between the two peoples and the two friendly countries, and Armenia's keenness to support the Palestinian people's rights to self-determination, WAFA said.
The statement called on the countries of the world, especially the European countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine, to do so based on legitimate international resolutions.
Also on Friday, the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) said in a statement that it welcomes Armenia's decision, calling it an "additional and important" step on the path to establishing international recognition of the rights of Palestinian people.
The Armenian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday that Armenia officially recognized the State of Palestine. The Caucasus country also stated its support for the two-state solution, stressing it is "the only way to ensure that Palestinians and Israelis can realize their legitimate aspirations."
Norway, Ireland, and Spain made a coordinated announcement on May 22, declaring their recognition of Palestine as a state effective as of May 28. Their decision was condemned by Israel.
So far, over 140 countries have already recognized a Palestinian state, representing more than two-thirds of the United Nations' membership. ■
