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.
