According to Thursday reports by Greek media, the non-binding vote is planned to be held on December 22, a day after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas travels to Athens for a two-day official visit.
During the past months, other European legislatures, including those of the UK, France, Spain, Ireland, Belgium and Portugal, have recognized the Palestinian state. In December 2014, the European Parliament also overwhelmingly backed the recognition of a Palestinian state “in principle.”
Back in June, Athens announced that its officials would begin using the term “Palestine.”
“We decided to issue instructions throughout the Greek public administration for the uniform use of the term ‘Palestine’ when we refer to our friendly country,” Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias said then.
