Palestinians withdraw request for UN vote

The Palestinians have abandoned their request for a vote at the UN Security Council yesterday that they hoped would reject the peace plan of President Donald Trump, whose administration has put heavy pressure on critics, diplomats said.

Introduced by Indonesia and Tunisia, the resolution risked not having nine out of 15 votes in its favor, the minimum required for adoption provided there is no veto by a permanent member, the diplomats told AFP.

A diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the United States has placed “very strong pressure” on other countries on the Security Council, including threats of economic retribution.

Despite the setback, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas will go ahead Tuesday and address the Security Council about Trump’s January 28 plan, which paves the way for Israeli annexation of much of the West Bank but also allows for a demilitarized Palestinian state. “Consultations are still ongoing,” Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said of the proposed resolution. Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, urged Abbas to cancel his trip, accusing him of dwelling on the past and calling on him to focus on the future.

The United States would be certain to exercise its veto to any resolution that criticizes its plan.

 

Palestinians withdraw request for UN vote

The Palestinians have abandoned their request for a vote at the UN Security Council yesterday that they hoped would reject the peace plan of President Donald Trump, whose administration has put heavy pressure on critics, diplomats said. Introduced by Indonesia and Tunisia, the resolution risked not having nine out of 15 votes in its favor, the minimum required for adoption provided there is no veto by a permanent member, the diplomats told AFP. A diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the United States has placed very strong pressure on other countries on the Security Council, including threats of economic retribution. Despite the setback, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas will go ahead Tuesday and address the Security Council about Trumps January 28 plan, which paves the way for Israeli annexation of much of the West Bank but also allows for a demilitarized Palestinian state. Consultations are still ongoing, Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said of the proposed resolution. Israels ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, urged Abbas to cancel his trip, accusing him of dwelling on the past and calling on him to focus on the future. The United States would be certain to exercise its veto to any resolution that criticizes its plan.