NICOSIA, February 9, 2013 (WAFA) - Cyprus announced on Friday that it has decided to upgrade the status of Palestine’s diplomatic office in Nicosia from a mission to an embassy.

Cypriot Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou Markoullis made the announcement during a press conference with her Palestinian counterpart Riyad al-Malki who was on an official visit to Nicosia.

Malki urged other countries to follow what he described as Cyprus' 'historic decision.'

Markoullis said that 'this important decision comes in line with the recognition of the Palestinian State in 1988 by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cyprus.”

She said it also follows the relevant practice of seven other European Union member states that have recognized the Palestinian State also in 1988, namely, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Malta.

M.H./M.S.