Guatemala Recognizes Palestine: A Free, Sovereign State

Local Editor

Guatemala recognized Wednesday Palestine as a sovereign state in the belief that this will help foster peace in the Middle East, the president's office announced Tuesday.

Guatemala "has decided to join the vast majority of Latin American and Caribbean countries and recognize the State of Palestine, as a free, sovereign and independent State," the statement said.

"This decision in no way alters Guatemala's long tradition of friendship and cooperation with "Israel", a relationship the Guatemalan Government highly values," the statement added.

"Guatemala wants talks between "Israel" and the State of Palestine, backed by the international community, to gain new momentum," the statement added.
This comes as Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas ruled out any return to negotiations while "Israel" continues to build settlements on the Palestinian land.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by moqawama.org