Abu Dhabi, Dhu-AlHijjah 21, 1435, Oct 15, 2014, SPA -- The U.A.E.'s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the British Parliament's unilateral vote in favour of establishing an independent Palestinian state. "The vote is a good initiative that reflects the British people's support for the Palestinian cause and the right step in the right direction towards boosting the opportunities for peace in the Middle East," said Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, in a statement. According to WAM, the vote, UAE Minister Gargash explained, "reflects an ethical position on the national rights of the Palestinian people, and indicates the human sympathy and political support for their march." The UAE minister emphasised that the vote should urge Israel to abide by the resolutions of the international community on putting in place a two-state solution, along with halting construction of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory that constitutes a barrier to resuming peace talks and undermines efforts for the establishment of a Palestinian state with borders that include all occupied territories. Stressing that the British vote contributes to international efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just peace in the Middle East, Minister Gargash noted it is also consistent with the recognition of Palestine by a majority of countries on 29 November 2012 at the UN General Assembly, where Palestine’s status was upgraded to that of "non-member observer state." --SPA 21:28 LOCAL TIME 18:28 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1284613