Spain to recognise Palestinian state in 'historic' decision

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the European country is pursuing "peace, security and prosperity" in the Middle East.

Transcript

00:00 Spain will recognize Palestine as a state.

00:04 The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, trumpeted from the Prime Minister's Palace in Madrid.

00:09 Cabinet ministers will vote on approving the "historic recognition" on Tuesday.

00:14 With this decision, Spain joins the more than 140 countries that already recognize Palestine.

00:21 This is a historic decision that has a single goal, to contribute to achieving peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

00:31 The recognition of Palestine is not against anyone, least of all Israel,

00:36 a friendly nation that Spain values and holds in high regard and with whom we aim to foster the strongest possible relationship.

00:44 Sanchez said the decision is harmonious with global values.

00:48 Our position is aligned with the UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 and with the position of the European Union.

00:57 No major Western power has recognized the Palestinian state.

01:02 The state of Palestine must be viable, with the West Bank and Gaza connected by a corridor,

01:09 and with East Jerusalem as its capital, and must be unified under the legitimate government of the Palestine National Authority.

01:18 Norway and Ireland announced they would also recognize sovereignty.

01:22 [WHOOSH]