Sweden to recognise Palestinian state

STOCKHOLM, Oct 3 (AP): Sweden's new prime minister said Friday that his government will recognize a Palestinian state, a move that drew praise from Palestinian officials.
 In a declaration listing his government's priorities, Social Democratic leader Stefan Lofven told lawmakers that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be resolved through a two-state solution requiring "mutual recognition" and a will from both sides to co-exist peacefully. "Therefore Sweden will recognize the state of Palestine," Lofven said.
 He didn't say when or how that would happen.
 Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki welcomed Lofven's announcement and called on other European Union countries to follow suit.
  "In the name of the Palestinian people and the Palestinian leadership, we thank and salute the Swedish position," Malki said in a statement.