Abbas orders 'State of Palestine' logo

RAMALLAH, West Bank, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ordered that official documents bear a "State of Palestine" logo instead of one that says "Palestinian National Authority."

Abbas instructed government ministries, and missions abroad, to replace documents with the new logo in accordance with the U.N. recognition of Palestine as a non-member observer state, Israel Radio reported Sunday.

The Palestinian Authority leader said new passports and identity cards will be issued with the new logo.

The new policy, to take effect immediately, is aimed at advancing sovereignty on Palestinian areas in advance of full independence Abbas said.