Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Norway, Spain and Ireland officially recognized Palestine as an independent state. 

It was announced that the decisions of the three countries would come into force on May 28.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said Palestinians have a fundamental, independent right to self-determination.

He added that Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in peace in their own states.

In his opinion, peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without a two-state solution. 

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez noted that Spain recognizes Palestine for many reasons, but he summed up the decision in three words - peace, justice and consistency.

He added that recognition of Palestine is in favor of peace and coexistence.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris has stressed that a two-state solution is the "only sure path" to peace.

Note that in addition to Norway, Spain and Ireland, Palestine is recognized as a state by 143 of the 193 UN members. Uzbekistan recognized Palestinian statehood in 1994.

The US, UK and Israel are among the countries that do not recognize Palestinian statehood.