Armenia has joined several other countries in recognising Palestine as a state in recent weeks, including Spain and Ireland.
in a statement on Friday, June 21, 2024, the Armenian Foreign Ministry said that Armenia has officially recognised a Palestinian state, defying Israel, which is opposed to such moves.
Armenia condemned Israel’s military conduct in the Gaza Strip and Palestinian group Hamas’s taking of captives.
The statement noted that Armenia supports a UN resolution on an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and is in favour of a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
“Armenia deplores using civilian infrastructure as shields during armed conflicts and violence towards civilian populations,” the ministry said, adding that it joined the international community in demanding the release of the captives.
Shortly after Armenia announced the recognition, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the country’s Ambassador.
“Following Armenia’s recognition of a Palestinian state, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Ambassador of Armenia to Israel for a harsh reprimand conversation,” a ministry spokesperson said.
Dozens of countries have recognized a Palestinian state, though none of the major Western powers has done so.
Palestinians believe the recognitions confer international legitimacy on their struggle, especially as Israel’s war against Hamas, now in its ninth month, faces growing international criticism over the campaign of systematic destruction in Gaza and huge cost in civilian lives.
Armenia’s Decision Welcomed
The Palestinian presidency and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) welcomed Armenia’s decision to recognise the State of Palestine.
According to a statement reported by the official Palestinian news agency, “the Palestinian Presidency has commended the Republic of Armenia’s decision to officially recognize the State of Palestine as an independent and sovereign nation.”
The presidency expressed deep appreciation for “this courageous and significant decision,” viewing it as a “pivotal step towards enhancing bilateral relations and fostering peace and stability in the region.”
“Armenia’s wise decision aligns with the principles of the two-state solution, a strategic choice that upholds international will and legitimacy. This recognition contributes positively to preserving the two-state solution, which faces systematic challenges, and promotes security, peace, and stability for all parties involved.”
Palestinian presidency
The Palestinian leadership urged “other nations, particularly European countries that have yet to recognize the State of Palestine, to follow suit based on international legitimacy resolutions based on the 1967 borders, which include Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.”
Hussein al-Sheikh, Secretary of the PLO Executive Committee, also praised Armenia’s recognition.
He said that it is “a victory for truth, justice, legitimacy and the struggle of our Palestinian people for liberation and independence.”
“Thank you, our friend Armenia,” he said.
Additionally, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry posted on X that Turkey is “pleased” with Armenia’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state.
“As we have emphasised before, recognising a Palestinian state is a matter of international law, justice and conscience,” the post said, adding that Turkey “will continue to strive for more countries to recognise Palestine.”
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