Greece set to recognize Palestinian state

Greece is set to recognize a Palestinian state in a parliamentary vote to be attended by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday, a government source said.

A solemn ceremony will accompany the vote as Greece joins dozens of other countries that accord recognition to Palestine, the source said according to Ynet.

Abbas arrived in Athens on Sunday ahead of the vote.

Last week, the Greek parliament's foreign affairs committee unanimously approved a motion to recognize Palestine.

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

The Palestinian flag was hoisted for the first time at UN headquarters in New York on September 30 in a symbolic gesture.

Source: MENA