Vienna, 5 June 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Slovenia on Tuesday joined the list of European nations that have recognized Palestinian statehood.

Slovenia's main legislative chamber, the National Assembly, voted in support of the move in a unanimous 52-0 vote, the STA news agency reported. The centre-right opposition boycotted the vote.

Earlier in the day, the opposition had tabled a motion for a national referendum on the recognition of Palestine. It was then withdrawn, before a second motion was rejected by parliament.

Slovenia was "on the right side of history," Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon said on social media platform X.

"Dear people of Palestine, today's final decision of Slovenia is a message of hope and peace. We believe that only a two-state solution can lead to a lasting peace in the #MiddleEast. Slovenia will tirelessly continue to work on the security of both nations, Palestinians and Israelis," she wrote.

Prime Minister Robert Golob said the move "sends hope to the Palestinian people in the West Bank and in Gaza," the government wrote on its official X page.

More than 140 out of 193 member states of the United Nations recognize Palestine as a sovereign state. Western European countries and the United States have long been the exception.

Sweden took the step a decade ago, while a number of Eastern European countries have also long recognized Palestinian statehood.

On May 28, Spain, Ireland and Norway officially recognized Palestine in a move strongly condemned by Israel as an obstacle to piece in the region.

Photo: MIA archive