"It is Guyana`s hope that the increasing recognition of the state of Palestine will contribute to a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the creation of lating peace and stability in the region," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Guyana joins Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay and Ecuador in recognizing Palestine as an independent state within the borders that existed before Israel captured the West Bank, including east Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip in the June 1967 Six-Day War.
The borders of a final Palestinian state have been one of the thorniest issues in peace negotiations with Israel.
Last Friday, Chile also formally recognized the existence of a Palestinian state, but did not mention the issue of the borders.
Guyana`s decision, the statement said, "is in keeping with Guyana`s long-standing and unwavering solidarity with, and commitment to, the just and legitimate aspirations of the people of Palestine for the exercise of their right to self-determination and to achieve a homeland of their own, independent, free, prosperous and at peace."
Israeli officials have denounced the declarations, calling Chile`s recognition a "useless and empty gesture" that won`t advance peace.
Guyana, a sugar, gold and timber exporter, gained independence from Britain in 1966. It is a country of fewer than 800,000 people. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
