(Communicatd by the Foreign Minister's Bureau)

Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman said that the decision by the government of Sweden to recognize a Palestinian state is an unfortunate decision which strengthens radical elements and Palestinian recalcitrance. Such measures only serve to bolster the Palestinians' unrealistic demands and delay an agreement.The only way to reach an arrangement between Israel and the Palestinians is for the parties to conduct sincere negotiations.

It is unfortunate, said FM Liberman, that the Swedish govenrment chose to adopt a declarative measure that can cause much damage and bring no benefit. The Swedish government must understand that relations in the Middle East are more complex than one of Ikea's flat-pack pieces of furniture, and would do well to act with greater sensitivity and responsibility.