15 more countries are expected to work toward recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, during a conference initiated by France and Saudi Arabia at UN headquarters in New York. Among the countries that have expressed willingness for recognition are Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, San Marino and additional countries, some of which have already published similar recognition in the past, including Spain, Ireland and Norway. Israel's Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said in response that "these are hollow statements that endanger the hostages and serve terrorism."