December 25, 2015  The Examiner Press

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Arab League welcomes Greek parliament’s recognition of Palestine State

25 December, 2015, 17:37 | Author: Candice Butler

The Arab League welcomed Tuesday the unanimous vote in the Greek parliament, recognizing a state of Palestine.

Parliament speaker Nikos Voutsis said that all parties in the assembly supported the move. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras stated Monday that the government will officially recognize Palestine in a proper time and will start to use the term “Palestine” instead of “Palestinian Authority” in official documents.

Several EU countries have recognized the Palestinian statehood-angering Israel.

The media referring to Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research’s pool conducted in the West Bank and in Gaza says that 51 per cent of Palestinians are opposed to the two-state solution while 48 per cent are still in support.

Abbas said he was proud to be in the Greek parliament, calling it “the sanctuary of democracy”, and thanked the deputies for a vote he said would “contribute to the creation of a Palestinian state”.

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

Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement: “We are surprised and disappointed by this counterproductive resolution which further internationalises the conflict and which disincentives the Palestinians from returning to the negotiating table which is the only way forward”. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was in attendance.

Abbas stressed that there can be no Palestinian state without Jerusalem as its capital.