A special session of Greek Parliament is being held on Tuesday, in the presence of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, to give recognition to the state of Palestine.  Abbas was welcomed in Greece on Monday as head of state by parliament president Nikos Voutsis and Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

On his part, Abbas welcomed the recognition of the state of Palestine as a step towards recognition of the struggle of the Palestinian people and their future. “We are very proud that we are here at the bastion of Greek democracy,” said Abbas, while expressing the Palestinian people’s gratitude and pleasure.