Israel: Recognition of 'Palestine' state by Costa Rica sparks diplomatic row

[Judi Lynn]

Israel: Recognition of 'Palestine' state by Costa Rica sparks diplomatic row


Tel-Aviv, 26 Feb.(AKI) - Following the establishment of diplomatic relations by Costa Rica with what it calls "The State of Palestine" on 5 February 2008, the Israeli authorities have decided to postpone a meeting between Costa Rican president Oscar Arias and Israel's deputy minister of foreign affairs Majalli Whbee.

The meeting was due to take place on Wednesday.

Agreement between Costa Rica and the Palestinian Authority was reached in early February by Palestinian observer to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, and Costa Rica's ambassador to the UN, Jorge Urbina.

The Institute for Middle East Understanding says that about 100 nations recognise 'Palestine' as a state and maintain diplomatic relations with the Palestinians.

Under the government of Oscar Arias, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, Costa Rica has established diplomatic relations with 16 countries, half of them from the Arab world.

Among the countries are Egypt, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Yemen, Oman and the Palestinian Authority.

The establishment of diplomatic relations followed Costa Rica's transfer of its embassy in Israel from Jerusalem to Tel-Aviv.

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