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http://www.maannews.net/
Ireland upgrades Palestinian diplomatic status JERUSALEM (Ma’an) -- Ireland on Tuesday upgraded Palestinian representation to a full diplomatic mission to be headed by a Palestinian ambassador, Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riad Al-Malki said. Al-Malki said he was informed of the decision by the Irish foreign ministry. Israel swiftly condemned the move. "This will only strengthen the Palestinians' rejection of any return to direct dialogue and peace negotiations," Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor told AFP. France was the first European country to upgrade Palestine's diplomatic representation, followed by Portugal, Norway, Greece and Spain. The move did not entail Ireland's recognition of a Palestinian state, but it was a positive step, Al-Malki said. He explained that Europe's recognition of Palestine was facing legal obstacles from some countries, and that it would be a collective decision. However, Palestinian officials were following up on the issue and expected other European countries to upgrade Palestinian diplomatic representation in coming days, the minister added. The status of a diplomatic mission is one rank below an embassy.
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