Finnish President Alexander Stubb said that he is ready to recognize the Palestinian state if such a proposal is made to him, Agence France-Presse reported, noting that by doing so Finland would follow the example of France, Great Britain and Canada, BTA reports.
"If I receive a proposal in this sense, I am ready to approve it. "However, the decision on whether to submit such a proposal is in the hands of the government," Stubb wrote on the "Ex" website yesterday, describing the situation in the Gaza Strip as "inhumane."
The Finnish head of state, who has a six-year term and has limited powers compared to the prime minister, leads the country's foreign policy in close cooperation with the government.
Several countries, including France and Canada, have announced that they intend to recognize the state of Palestine during the 80th UN General Assembly in September.
"The decision by France, the United Kingdom and Canada strengthens the momentum in favor of recognizing Palestine as part of efforts to give new impetus to the peace process," Stubb noted, joining calls for a two-state solution - Israeli and Palestinian.
"I understand that Finns have different views on regarding the recognition of Palestine and that they may be concerned," he added.
The far-right Finns party, as well as the Christian Democrats, are against the recognition of a Palestinian state, AFP reports.
"I would like to encourage open, honest and fact-based debates on foreign policy, including in relation to Palestine," the president stressed.
The United States has announced sanctions against senior figures from the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), condemning the international campaign in support of the recognition of a Palestinian state.