Io Chokona / Athens, Dec 22 () – The Greek Parliament has officially recognized the State of Palestine, on Dec. 22.

Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas was warmly welcomed with long applauses in the Greek Parliament today at 10.30 a.m. and submitted for approval by Parliament Speaker Nikos Voutsis, the recognition of the state was granted by anonymous vote.

Greek PM Alexis Tsipras has stated that the name "Palestine" was decided to replace "Palestinian Authority" in all Greek public documents, on Dec. 21.

Tsipras has encouraged a two-state solution that “guarantees the establishment of a viable, territorially unified, independent and sovereign Palestinian state … which will coexist in peace and security with Israel."

“Greece can play the role of a bridge in the direction of a just and viable solution to the Palestine issue” Abbas told following his meeting with Tsipras, adding they gave “new impetus to the resolution of the Palestinian issue".

Abbas stated resolution of Palestine conflict would help to resolve the “terror that has surrounded the region”, referring to ongoing violence in Syria and Iraq in particular. Abbas underlined Palestine was seeking to solves problems in the political scene.