Bolivia has recognized a sovereign Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with Israel, following neighboring Brazil and Argentina's suit.

Bolivian President Evo Morales made the announcement during a conference with regional leaders in Brazil on Friday, the Palestinian Authority's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the decision and praised bilateral relations between Bolivia and the Palestinian Authority.

Abbas called on Latin American leaders to recognize an independent Palestinian state on 1967 borders during his recent trip around the region.

Brazil and Argentina announced their recognition of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in early December. Uruguay has also promised Palestinians to recognize their state next year.

The Palestinian Authority called on the international community to recognize an independent Palestine as direct talks between Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the latest attempt to revive the stalled peace process, came to a standstill.

Since late September, Netanyahu has refused to extend a partial moratorium on settlement construction in occupied Palestinian territories, which Abbas has demanded as a precondition for the resumption of the talks.

On Thursday, the Palestinian Authority called on European countries such as France, Britain, Sweden and Denmark to recognize an independent Palestinian state.

More than 100 countries have already endorsed the Palestinians' 1988 unilateral declaration of independent statehood.

GAZA, December 18 (RIA Novosti)