MOSCOW, October 30 (RIA Novosti) — Israel's Foreign Ministry has recalled the country's ambassador to Sweden following Stockholm's recognition of the Palestinian state, Haaretz reported Thursday.
Ambassador Isaac Bachman "will remain in Jerusalem until further notice," Haaretz said, citing a Foreign Ministry official. According to the newspaper, Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman is considering permanently removing Bachman from his position in Stockholm.
According to the Swedish SVT broadcaster, Sweden's Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom is familiar with the reports, but has not received any official confirmation.
"If this is correct, it is totally unexpected. Israel is using its diplomatic policy tools. But it is clear that it is unfortunate," she is cited as saying by SVT.
Earlier on Thursday, Wallstrom announced that Sweden would become the 135th country officially recognize the Palestinian state. Most European Union members and the United States have not given their official recognition, though some EU members recognized Palestine before joining the union.
Wallstrom stated that Sweden expected criticism from Israel, but hoped the move would be received "in a balanced and constructive way" and that the countries' "excellent cooperation" would continue.
Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman issued a statement following the announcement, calling Sweden's decision unfortunate and claiming that it "strengthens radical elements and Palestinian recalcitrance".
