(CNN) -- The peace process in the Middle East may be stalled, but the balance between Israel and the Palestinians continues to shift in other ways. In the last month, four Latin American countries have added their names to the list of nations officially recognizing a Palestinian state, and more are on the horizon.
Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia and Ecuador chose the end of the year as the time to make their declarations, which may have little effect on the situation on the ground, but nonetheless gives the Palestinians a boost in the international arena. The countries join Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, which had already granted diplomatic recognition.
The sudden spate of announcements is interesting, because it shows the Latin American region trying to increase its role in the Middle East conflict, and because the position is contrary to that of its influential neighbor to the north.
The Brazilian government said that its "initiative is in accordance with Brazil's historical willingness to contribute to the peace process between Israel and Palestine, whose direct negotiations are currently on hold, and it is in line with U.N. resolutions, which have demanded an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories and the construction of an independent state" within the 1967 borders.
Ecuador, meanwhile, noted that, "Sadly, the Middle East continues to face wars and violent events that have led to the death of many innocent people, a situation contrary to the humane and pacifist position established by the Ecuadorian Constitution. This recognition is meant to reinforce the valid and legitimate wish of the Palestinian people to have their own free and independent state".
While Israel and the United States may not be happy with the pronouncements, there is nothing sinister behind the moves, Christopher Sabatini, senior director of policy at the Americas Society and Council of the Americas, told CNN. CNN
