The Palestinian Authority says it will go to the United Nations in September and ask for recognition of an independent state in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, a move opposed by both Israel and the United States.
The official Palestinian news agency (WAFA) said Sunday that leaders in Ramallah confirmed they will seek recognition based on pre-1967 borders, membership in the United Nations and acknowledgment of the right to self-determination in accordance with the U.N. charter.
Israel has denounced the Palestinian U.N. initiative, charging it would shatter efforts to reach a negotiated settlement to the Mideast conflict. The U.S., Germany and Italy have also expressed reservations.
Many Palestinians, however, claim the move would strengthen efforts to renew negotiations with Israel based on the Arab Peace Initiative, the Mideast Quartet decisions as well as U.S. President Barack Obama's Mideast vision which he recently outlined.
About 100 nations have already recognized a Palestinian state in one form or another and a formal vote for recognition at the U.N. General Assembly would be a diplomatic victory. But only the U.N. Security Council has the legal power to add nations to the world body.
Palestinians to Seek UN Recognition in September
