Slovenia’s government has passed a decree on recognising a Palestine state that will be sent to parliament for approval by mid-June, AFP reports.

“The decree for the recognition of Palestine is part of the government’s efforts to end as soon as possible the atrocities in Gaza,” Prime Minister Robert Golob told a news conference adding the final decision could be adopted earlier than a June 13 target date.

“We will continue to follow the progress concerning peace talks, the release of hostages and the reform of the Palestinian authority and, if it proves to be faster, we might end the recognition process earlier,” Golob said.

Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon said she was “glad over the decisive and irreversible step towards recognition”, in a message posted on X.