Chile, Guyana recognize Palestinian state, Ecuador announces embassy

South America, orthographic projection / NASA

On Thursday Guyana joined Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Uruguay in the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, a move that nixes past agreements between Israel and the PA.

Guyana's Foreign ministry announced its recognition "in keeping with Guyana's long-standing and unwavering solidarity with, and commitment to, the just and legitimate aspirations of the people of Palestine for the exercise of their right to self-determination and to achieve a homeland of their own, independent, free, prosperous and at peace," Haaretz reports.

Last week, after meetings with Mahmoud Abbas at the new Brazilian president's inauguration the week before, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera announced his official recognition as well, after a resolution passed in the Chilean senate calling for Pinera to act. Pinera is scheduled to visit the West Bank in April.

This week Palestinian official al-Maliki also announced the opening of a Palestinian embassy in Ecuador.