Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor
WESTERN countries have voiced their support for Palestinian rights and the pursuit of an independent homeland as more nations announce their recognition of the State of Palestine.
France, Belgium and several other Western countries this Monday joined the growing list of nations that have recognised the State of Palestine, during a high-level UN meeting on the two-state solution.
Palestinian envoy to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, said the recognition of an independent Palestinian state is an investment in peace.
The UN resumed the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution this Monday.
The Conference reaffirmed international commitment to the two-state solution and sought to mobilise support for its implementation.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a historic address to the UN meeting via video link from Ramallah after the Donald Trump administration denied him a visa.
He called on world leaders to formally recognise the State of Palestine, press for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and support a lasting peace with Israel.
