United Nations, Sept 24: Unfazed by US-Israel opposition, Palestine on Friday staked its claim to become a full member of the United Nations in its long quest for statehood and sought a positive vote on its bid from the world body, a plea India fully supports.
Just before he addressed the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Palestine Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas met UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and submitted an application for the admission of Palestine on the basis of June 4, 1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital as a full member of the UN.
“I call upon Mr Secretary General to expedite transmittal of our request to the Security Council and I call upon the distinguished members of the Security Council to vote in favour of our full membership.
“I also appeal to the States that have yet not recognised the State of Palestine to do so,” he said in his address to the UN General Assembly.
Abbas said he was ready to return to the negotiating table with Israel saying Palestine's efforts were not aimed at isolating or deligitimising Israel.
The application for Statehood for Palestine comes despite efforts by the US to dissuade Chairman Abbas from going ahead with his proclaimed plans. PTI
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