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FRANCE SUPPORTS PALESTINE’S BID FOR NON-MEMBER OBSERVER STATUS AT THE UN

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French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has told the French parliament that France will vote in favour of the Palestinian Authorities UN bid to be made a non-member observer. If the Palestinian bid is successful it would implicitly recognise Palestinian statehood, and would give the Palestinian’s access to bodies like the International Court of Human Rights in the Hague. The Palestinian’s could then file complaints against Israel.

The rest of Europe remains divided over the issue. Portugal and Spain say they will vote for the motion, but Germany are opposed to any change in the Palestinian’s United Nations status. Britain remains undecided. The United States and Israel are strongly opposed to the move.

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  1. GENEVA/RAMALLAH, West Bank, Nov 28 (Reuters) – Switzerland and Denmark on Wednesday joined a growing list of European countries that back an upgrade for Palestinians to non-member status at the United Nations, a victory that would be a diplomatic boost to their aspirations for statehood.

    With overwhelming support from the developing world, the Palestinians appear certain to earn approval in the 193-member U.N. General Assembly for a status upgrade to “observer state” on Thursday.

    Israel and its main ally the United States oppose the move, which would implicitly recognize Palestinian statehood.

    France said on Tuesday it would vote in favour of non-member status and Switzerland and Denmark have now followed suit.

    “The decision to support the resolution is in accordance with Switzerland’s policy to seek a negotiated, just, and durable peace between Israel and an independent and viable Palestinian state within secure and internationally recognised borders,” the Swiss Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

    The Swiss decision followed a visit to Berne by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas this month as the country hesitated between voting in favour of the resolution or abstaining.

    A positive vote would make it possible to “revitalise the concept of a two-state solution by placing Israel and Palestine on an equal footing in future peace negotiations”, the Swiss ministry said.

    Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/28/palestinians-statehood-idUSL5E8MS3R120121128

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