Middle East

Abbas orders official use of ‘Palestine'

President orders new "State of Palestine" passports and ID cards after successful UN bid for recognition.
Last Modified: 07 Jan 2013 08:59
Abbas said changing the official language will strengthen a Palestinian state [AP]

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has ordered new passports, ID cards, drivers' licences and stamps reading "State of Palestine", according to the official WAFA news agency.

Sunday’s decree came in the wake of the Palestinians' successful bid late last year for non-member observer state status at the UN over intense Israeli and US opposition.

Abbas said the changed language on official documents would help strengthen the Palestinian state "on the ground and build its institutions ... and its sovereignty over its land".

Already last week, he ordered the foreign ministry and embassies around the world to begin using "State of Palestine" in official correspondence.

Previously, official documents issued by Abbas's government, including passports and other identification documents, had been labelled as issued by the Palestinian Authority.

Israel has criticised the Palestinians for their successful bid for enhanced UN status, saying Palestinian statehood can only be achieved through bilateral talks.

The Israeli foreign ministry declined to comment on the latest Palestinian move.

The Palestinians say the UN upgrade will strengthen their position in negotiations with Israel and is a complement to any future talks.

182

Source:
Agencies
Topics in this article
People
Country
Organisation
Featured on Al Jazeera
Murder of Somali draws ire of foreign African nationals over rising xenophobic violence.
We look at the impact of increased sanctions against the Islamic Republic and ask who it really affects.
Tupamaros enforce rough justice in Venezuela's slums to support socialism, but critics say the group are violent thugs.
More than a decade ago the US launched a war against Afghanistan, but was it a justified battle?
Featured
Two years since the start of the uprising, rebels and Assad's forces remain locked in conflict.
Extensive coverage of political unrest that spread from Istanbul to other areas.
Weeks of demonstrations could benefit AKP's grip on power - or be a game-changer.
More than 100 million girls have suffered genital 'cutting' to save family honour.
News and analysis of 2013 presidential contest as Ahmadinejad finishes second term.
join our mailing list