Greek Parliament Expected To Vote On Recognition Of The State Of Palestine

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas referred to the Greek parliament as “the sanctuary of democracy” and said he was “proud” to be present.

On Tuesday, Abbas is scheduled to address the Greek Parliament, which is expected to vote in favor of recognizing the state of Palestine within 1967 borders. Larry is our main news editor.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras declined to say when Greece could adopt the parliamentary resolution.

Greece’s parliamentary Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee has unanimously called on the Athens government to recognize Palestinian statehood.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, right, shakes hands with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas before their meeting in Athens on Monday.

The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) also welcomed the decision.

He told the Palestinian leader that his government supported a two-state solution that “guarantees the establishment of a viable, territorially unified, independent and sovereign Palestinian state … which will coexist in peace and security with Israel”.

He said Abbas’ visit to Greece signals the “strengthening” of traditionally historic ties between the two.

On Monday, Tsipras said full recognition is not being considered.

Tsipras travelled to Israel last month when he met with both Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

However, even if Greece joins the growing list of nations that have granted legal recognition to Palestine, on the ground, the creation of a separate Palestinian state still remains a distant dream.