Foreign Secretary William Hague tells House of Commons that decision to abstain made after consultations with fellow Security Council member France and other European countries.

By The Associated Press

Foreign Secretary William Hague says Britain will abstain when the United Nations Security Council votes on the Palestinian bid for statehood.

Hague told the House of Commons Wednesday that the decision to abstain was made after consultations with fellow Security Council member France and other European countries.

He says the UN vote will be held soon.

Hague said in a statement that the Palestinian situation would be best resolved by negotiation and urged Israel to return to direct talks with Palestinian leaders.

The foreign secretary says Britain remains committed to helping the Palestinians achieve statehood and will work to help alleviate poverty and to build institutions there.