Israel Yanks Ambassador From Sweden

Israel recalled its ambassador to Sweden on Thursday in order to protest the country’s recognition of a Palestinian state. Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman called Stockholm’s move an “unfortunate decision that strengthens the extremists” and pushes any agreements further away. “It is a pity the Swedish government has chosen to adopt the measure that does a lot of damage and has no benefits,” Liberman said. Meanwhile, Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom issued a statement saying Sweden hoped to “facilitate a peace agreement by making the parties less unequal, supporting the moderate Palestinian forces and contributing to hope at a time when tensions are increasing and no peace talks are taking place.”