17/11/2009 (Agence Europe) - The Swedish Presidency of the EU believes the immediate declaration of an independent state of Palestine and its recognition by the EU to be “premature”. Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat has indicated over the last few days that the Palestinian Authority intended to submit its call for an independent state to the United Nations Security Council. “I would hope to be able to recognise a Palestinian state but there first has to be one, so I think that it is a bit premature,” said Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt on the sidelines of the External Relations Council (16-17 November). “I don't think we're there yet. … We have said before … that we would be ready to recognise a Palestinian state, but the conditions are not yet there,” he added. (H.B./transl.rt)