JERUSALEM, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli Foreign Ministry earlier this week summoned Honduran ambassador Jose Isaias Barahona, in order to clarify his country's declared intention to support recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September.
The ministry's Deputy Director for Central and South American and the Caribbean, Dorit Shavit, met with Barahona on Sunday, according to a statement sent to Xinhua on Thursday.
The summons followed statements on Honduras' official presidential website, saying that President Porfirio Lobo told Palestinian National Authority (PNA) Foreign Minister Riyad al- Maliki that his government would likely vote in favor of such a resolution.
The Honduran officials reportedly expressed support for a negotiated peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians that would end the conflict.
Shavit conveyed Israel's "surprise and disappointment" over the announcement, according to the statement.
Shavit noted previous meetings held between Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon and Honduran Foreign Minister Mario Canahuati, over Israel's opposition to a Honduran yes vote at the UN, and its potential damage to the peace process.
Shavit reminded Barahona of the support and aid Israel gave Honduras "during difficult times," as well as the technical cooperation between the two countries, which attests to their " long-standing friendship," according to the statement.
Earlier this year, over a dozen Latin American countries announced their recognition of Palestinian statehood despite Israel's protests.
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