The European Parliament on Wednesday gave its support to recognition of the Palestinian state "in principle," but said that it should go "hand in hand" with peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians, dpa reported. The parliament is the latest in a string of legislatures to tackle the question of whether the Palestinian state should be officially recognized. It cannot force EU countries to recognize Palestine, but its stance on the matter was seen as having symbolic importance. Lawmakers voted 498-88 in favour of a compromise text that says the parliament supports "in principle recognition of Palestinian statehood and the two-state solution, and believes these should go hand in hand with the development of peace talks, which should be advanced." Of the lawmakers, 111 abstained. Some political groups in the legislature, which has deputies from all of the EU's 28 countries, had sought stronger language - recommending among other things unconditional recognition for the Palestinian state. Nabil Shaath, a senior aide of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, nevertheless welcomed the parliament vote as a "historic decision," referring to it as an expression of support for Abbas. The Luxembourg parliament on Wednesday endorsed two motions asking the government to recognize Palestinian statehood. -- SPA 20:52 LOCAL TIME 17:52 GMT تغريد