Armenia recognises Palestine as a state
Armenia henceforth recognises Palestine as a state, the country’s Foreign Affairs ministry announced on Friday. The recognition is intended to contribute to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.
Armenia joins a growing group of countries recognising Palestine. In a statement, the country’s Foreign ministry said that Armenia further supports a UN resolution on an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and favours a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
In late May, Norway, Spain and Ireland announced they would officially recognise Palestine as a state. Slovenia followed suit at the beginning of June. While recognition does not immediately change the situation in Gaza or the West Bank, it is deemed a symbolic step that increases diplomatic pressure on Israel.
Armenia's announcement also appears to echo geopolitical tensions in its own region. It has been embroiled in a military conflict over the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh with neighbouring Azerbaijan for decades. In that conflict, Azerbaijan can count on Israel's military support, while Armenia is especially close to Iran.
A man waves a Palestinian flag © BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT
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