El Salvador Recognizes Palestine

El Salvador has formally announced its recognition of Palestine as an independent and sovereign state.

"This decision was made in the context of the profound respect El Salvador has for sovereign decisions by members of the United Nations, the majority of whom have recognized the Palestinian state," Reuters quoted President Mauricio Funes as saying.

The El Salvadorian president announced the recognition at a press conference on Thursday. This happens as Palestinians plan to request for full UN member membership. Other Latin American countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Chile, and Uruguay have also recognized the Palestinian state. More than 100 countries in the world have undertaken the recognition based on 1967 borders.

"It is expected that at least 19 Central American and Caribbean countries will follow suit, which will give the Palestinians the two-thirds number of votes needed at the United Nations General Assembly once the recognition of Palestine resolution come up for a vote," the Palestinian News and Info Agency, WAFA, reported.