Swedish Foreign Minister Laila Freivalds called on Israel to stop expanding settlements to enable the emergence of a democratic and viable Palestinian state, Radio Sweden reported on Wednesday.

Freivalds told parliamentary that she hoped Israel will help facilitate the upcoming Palestinian presidential election.

She also hoped that international election monitors be allowed in.

"Sweden is prepared to actively participate if such a mission is decided on," she said, adding that she hoped a newly elected Palestinian leader would adhere to democratic ideals and would fight corruption and terrorism.

Source: Xinhua