The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates today welcomed the Portuguese Parliament’s decision to recognize the Nakba or the catastrophe, that befell the Palestinian people in 1948, and its expression of solidarity with the Palestinian people. It considered in a statement the decision as “a true expression of Portugal’s solidarity with the plight of the Palestinian people, which has been going on for 75 years.” The ministry praised the decision as a first step towards the Portuguese government’s recognition of the State of Palestine. It also considered it a step toward adopting resolutions that consider the Palestinian catastrophe a human tragedy, which must be recognized by the countries of the world towards addressing its ongoing effects and repercussions throughout the past decades. The Portuguese parliament voted, by majority, on the decision to recognize the catastrophe that befell the Palestinian people in 1948 and praised their struggle to obtain their right to self-determination. The resolution condemned the Israeli occupation’s expansionist polcy and illegal annexation that violates international laws and also calls on the Portuguese government to take a clear and frank position in defending the right of the Palestinian people as guaranteed by international conventions and laws.

Source: En – Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA