The Icelandic parliament has passed a resolution recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state, UPI reported. The Althing voted on the proposal by Minister for Foreign Affairs Ossur Skarphedinsson, which specifically recognizes the pre-1967 borders of the West Bank and Gaza, IceNews reported. The resolution passed with 38 votes in favor and 13 abstentions. Iceland is the first western European country to recognize the Palestinian state. The Palestinian Authority has asked the United Nations for recognition.