Sweden's Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom (2nd L) answers journalists' questions on October 30, 2014 at the government building Rosenbad in Stockholm. Sweden officially recognised the state of Palestine, Wallstrom said, less than a month after the government announced its intention to make the controversial move. AFP PHOTO / TT NEWS AGENCY / ANNIKA AF KLERCKER / SWEDEN OUTAnnika af Klercker/AFP/Getty Images
Sweden: 'Now is the right time'
04:51 - Source: CNN
CNN  — 

Sweden recognized a state of Palestine on Thursday, describing the decision as a crucial step it hopes will lead the way for others.

“In the light of the international law analysis, we see no reason to delay this decision,” Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom said.

She said the decision was made based on the fact that the state “met the criteria of international law.”

And not recognizing it, she said, would be wrong.

“There is a territory of people and a government. Not to recognize Palestine because of the occupation would be against the principle of international law about no fruits of aggression,” Wallstrom said.