The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed, today, Wednesday, that Iraq welcomes the decision taken by Norway, Spain and Ireland to recognize the independent State of Palestine. The ministry said in a statement: 'This decision is an important first step towards restoring and consolidating the entire usurped Palestinian right,' calling on the countries of the world to 'move forward towards recognizing the State of Palestine and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and supporting their national struggle to achieve independence.' It stressed: "Stability in the region will not be achieved except by establishing a Palestinian state with Holy Quds as its capital." Today, Wednesday, Spain, Norway, and Ireland announced their official recognition of the Palestinian state, in a step that will take effect on May 28. Source: National Iraqi News Agency