After statehood recognition, Palestinian embassy in UK officially inaugurated

A Palestinian embassy is officially inaugurated in London in a short ceremony, hailed by its ambassador as a “profound milestone” in British-Palestinian relations.

“We gather today to mark a historic moment — the inauguration of the embassy of the State of Palestine to the United Kingdom, with full diplomatic status and privileges,” says ambassador Husam Zomlot in a speech outside what has previously been known as the Palestinian Mission to the UK in west London.

The official upgrading of the Palestinian Authority’s mission to embassy status came after the UK announced it would recognize a Palestinian state in September, along with several other countries, including Australia and Canada, at a time of major international concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Sporting a traditional black and white keffiyeh scarf, Zomlot tells the ceremony that this is “not merely a change of name,” but a “change of direction” toward Palestinian statehood.

“What a way to begin a new year together, marking a profound milestone in the British-Palestinian relations, and in the Palestinian people’s long journey to freedom and self-determination,” Zomlot says, before unveiling the embassy’s new plaque.

“This is a day of hope, a day of steadfastness, and a day that reminds the world that peace is not only possible, it is inevitable… when rooted in justice, dignity, equality and mutual recognition.”

The UK’s foreign ministry does not immediately respond to an AFP query on whether the UK plans to follow suit by opening a British embassy in the Palestinian-controlled territories.

Speaking just after Zomlot at a lectern flanked by Palestinian and British national flags, UK diplomatic representative Alistair Harrison says the occasion represents a “moment of hope.”

“This is the beginning of a step change in our bilateral relationship,” he says. “I wish you, ambassador, and your team, a very happy stay in what is now your embassy, and congratulations.”