The Swedish recognition of Palestine has been heavily criticized in Israel and worsened relations between the countries
.Foreign Margot Wallström ( S) hope that the tone will be different after the elections in Israel in March.
– I hope to make a visit there as soon as it is at all practicable , she says.Wallström: “I think the tone from Israel will be different after the election ” The Swedish recognition of Palestine has been heavily criticized in Israel and worsened relations between the countries. Foreign Margot Wallström ( S) hope that the tone will be different after the elections in Israel in March. – I hope to make a visit there as soon as it is at all practicable , she says. Mahmoud Abbas’ visit to Sweden has included discussions with both Prime Minister Stefan Löfven (S) and Foreign Minister Margot Wallström ( S). On Tuesday evening , he was present when the Palestinian embassy was opened in central Stockholm. Among the guests were a variety of S- tops from then and now. In addition Wallström included Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist , party secretary Jämtin and Lisbet Palme on the spot. It was in late October that the Swedish government as the first EU country decided to recognize the State of Palestine. The announcement was hailed by Palestinians, but also attracted hefty anger in Israel. An anger that still remain . – I do not think Sweden realized how bad it was going to be before taking the decision , said Isaac Bachman
, Israel’s ambassador to Sweden , earlier today. ” We must show that we are serious “ Margot Wallström has previously said that the aim of the decision is to revive the avsomnande peace process , not to take sides in the conflict. – We must show
the Israelis that we are serious , that we want a peace process in time. It was important that President Abbas and all Palestinian representatives here has reiterated that recognition is not something that draws them from the peace process, but rather the opposite . With Israel , we can only continue to stretch out our hand and show that we are interested in dialogue and cooperation , she says. The harsh words from Israel , including from Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman , believe she will soften after the elections in the country in March. – Now it’s election campaign and it should be borne in mind , it certainly affects mood in Israel. I think we should take it easy and see what happens after the election , she says.
“Want to see a clearer role for the EU Process forward think she also will not take off until the votes are counted. – But then I hope we will be able to work in the EU with this issue and carve out a distinct role for the EU. It is important not least for the Palestinians who argue that it is not just the US that has a role to play . Margot Wallström had planned a trip to Israel earlier – a journey that never was . The Israeli press was rumored that she was not welcome . – I hope to make a visit to Israel as soon as humanly practicable , she says. The Minister says that the situation in the Middle East today ” appears too dark .” – The situation begins to be so desperate that many young people are prepared to resort to violence instead. We hope that the situation will get both parties to sit down and talk about how to achieve peace. Abbas emphasized how important that there is now a Palestinian embassy in Sweden . – This means that the Swedish recognition of Palestine is embodied here now. We hope that other countries in Europe and elsewhere around the world will follow suit . There was a strong and daring step , she says.
Lisbet Palme : ” There is so much sadness “
During the ceremony was also awarded honorary awards out to several Swedes – one of them was Olof Palme. The medal was received by his wife Lisbet Palme .- The recognition is part of a historical stages Olof and others began to work with. It is clear that it can bring different feelings , but I ‘ve lived with this conflict ever since my childhood. There have continued to be a huge problem .
She believes that the peace process is complicated because it is so ” much sadness involved .”
– We’ve got to see and follow what it’s in Gaza , it’s terrible . There is a cascade of shattered human . But one must try to take a step forward. There is much pain and much difficulty but it is impossible for me to think that it would help .She would not answer directly when asked how she thinks Olof Palme would have reacted to the Swedish government recognized Palestine.
– But I know he would do everything that people would need to be on the run . He was himself the child of a refugee. There are certain things I can say about it. But one can also say what would have happened if he had lived .
Kasmaal.com/Kasmaal Informatin Center/London/UK