Madrid, November 19 (RHC)-- Following similar moves across Europe, Spanish lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved a resolution recognizing Palestine. Though non-binding and largely symbolic, the resolution gleaned 319 votes in its favor, two against, and only one abstention.

The motion was proposed by the main opposition Socialists. While still susceptible of amendment, it has called on the Spanish government to "recognize Palestine as a state." The motion also urged Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy "to promote in coordination with the European Union the recognition of the Palestinian state as sovereign, contiguous, democratic and independent."

Britain and Ireland have already passed similar non-binding motions. On October 30th, Sweden went a step further and officially recognized the state of Palestine, drawing stringent criticism from Israel and the United States. Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom dismissed the criticism leveled at the Scandinavian country by the United States, saying: "It's not the U.S. that decides our politics."

The French National Assembly will also vote on a proposal to urge the government to recognize Palestine as a state on November 28th.