World Bulletin / News Desk

Turkish President Abdullah Gul congratulated Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas after Palestine won upgraded UN status. Gul called Abbas and congratulated him, officials said.

Palestine has become "non-member observer state" at the UN.

The UN General Assembly voted Thursday to grant the Palestinians non-member observer state status.

138 countries voted in favor of the Palestine's bid, nine voted against and 41 countries abstained.