CAIRO, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul-Gheit welcomed on Monday Spain's readiness to recognize the state of Palestine.
"That approach indicated longstanding friendly ties between Spain and all the Arab countries," Abul Gheit said in a statement.
The latest move mirrored the deep attachment the people and government of Spain have toward the Palestinian cause in particular, he added.
He stressed that "the current U.S. administration policies starting with the transfer of its embassy to Jerusalem last May unveiled its complete prejudice to the Israeli agenda. Those policies require all the peace-loving powers to stand by the Palestinians in their legitimate peaceful struggle."
The statement said the recognition of the state of Palestine "is necessary to protect the endangered two-state solution."
The Arab League urged Spain to proceed with the recognition saying such a step will encourage other European countries to follow suit.
On Thursday, Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell said at a press conference of EU leaders in Austria, that his country will spearhead a move within the European Union to recognize Palestine as an independent state.
He added if the initiative fails the government is ready to recognize Palestine individually.
"If the EU is not able to reach a unanimous decision, then each to their own," Borrell said.
Borrell confirmed that he will initiate an "intensive" consultation process to set a timetable for achieving a common position on the given subject, as EU policy is unclear concerning unilateral recognition.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) said that there are 139 countries that have recognized Palestine.
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas asked the EU to officially recognize Palestine in Brussels when he met with foreign minister from the bloc in January.
