Palestinians deny reports they abandoned UN membership bid

Nov 10, 2011, 14:27 GMT

Ramallah - A Palestinian official on Thursday denied media reports that the Palestinians have abandoned their bid to become a full member of the United Nations.

The 15-member UN Security Council is expected next week to vote on the Palestinian statehood motion, which needs the support of at least nine members for it to pass. The Palestinians are one vote short.

The United States has said it will use its veto power to block the motion.

The official, who declined to be named, said any amendment to the Palestinian request would have to be approved by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

A Security Council subcommittee will publish on Friday a report on the Palestinian request for full UN membership. It is expected to clarify whether Palestine meets the criteria demanded by the world body.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki told Voice of Palestine Radio Thursday: 'Even if we get 14 votes in favour, a US veto is going to kill the application anyway.'

The United Nation's Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) accepted Palestine as a member last week and the Palestinians have said they may seek membership in other UN bodies if their bid for full membership of the UN fails.

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