Spanish PM calls to recognize Palestinian state, grant it UN membership

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says that an independent Palestinian state should be recognized as soon as possible.

“Spain will strive for Palestine to become a full member of the UN,” Sanchez says during a visit to Slovenia.

He is among European leaders and government officials who have said that they could support a two-state solution in the Middle East as international frustration grows with Israel’s actions in the Palestinian territories.

Spain, Ireland, Malta and Slovenia in late March signed a joint statement saying they stand ready to recognize a Palestinian state when the move could “make a positive contribution and the circumstances are right.”