Palestinians seek new UN status as observer state

The Palestinians took the first step toward raising their status at the United Nations from an observer to a non member observer state by circulating a draft resolution to the 193 U.N. member states and asking for their support, according to AP.

 The Palestinian observer mission said no decision has been made on when to submit the draft resolution to the U.N. General Assembly for a vote. Arab League foreign ministers are expected to discuss the draft and the timing of its submission at a meeting in Cairo on Nov. 12-13, a Palestinian diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.

A letter from the observer mission accompanying the draft resolution asks U.N. members to support “the enhancement of the status of Palestine in the United Nations General Assembly to be considered by the assembly at a date to be announced in the near future.”

 There are no vetoes in the General Assembly and the resolution is almost certain to be approved by the world body which is dominated by countries sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. Approval of the resolution would elevate the Palestinians to the same status as the Vatican. The draft resolution states that to date, 132 nations have recognized “the State of Palestine.”

 The Palestinians also hope to use their upgraded status to join additional U.N. bodies, such as the International Criminal Court, where they could attempt to prosecute “Israel”.

 At the same time, they have expressed fear of financial and diplomatic retaliation.