Ecuador formally recognizes Palestinian state

President Rafael Correa follows other S. American countries and signs official recognition of Palestine as independent state with 1967 borders.

By JPOST.COM STAFF

DECEMBER 25, 2010 03:15

Ecuador president Rafael Correa 311 (photo credit: AP Photo/Fernando Vergara) — Ecuador president Rafael Correa 311

(photo credit: AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

Ecuador formally recognized a fully independent Palestinian state on Friday, following the lead of its neighbors Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay earlier this month, AFP reported.

The Foreign Ministry announced that President Rafael Correa signed "the Ecuadoran government's official recognition of Palestine as a free and independent state with 1967 borders."
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Ecuador's decision, the ministry statement said, "vindicates the valid and legitimate desire of the Palestinian people for a free and independent state" and will be a key contribution to a negotiated peaceful coexistence in the Middle East.

The Foreign Ministry said that the Ecuadoran resolution would be provided to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Ecuador's announcement comes after Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia and Uruguay earlier this month recognized Palestine as an independent state.