Region | Palestinian Territories

Palestinians threaten to declare independence, seek UN recognition

Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb told Israel's Army Radio station that the Palestinians plan on asking the UN Security Council to recognise their independence.

  • AP
  • Published: 14:10 November 15, 2009

  • Image Credit: AP
  • A Palestinian demonstrator holds a large Palestinian flag during a protest against Israel's separation barrier in the West Bank village of Nilin.

Occupied Jerusalem: The Palestinians say they are so fed up with the lack of progress in peace efforts that they are preparing to declare independence unilaterally.

Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat told Israel's Army Radio station Sunday that the Palestinians plan on asking the UN Security Council to recognise their independence.

Erekat declined to say when the Palestinians would turn to the council. Israeli media predicted that the US, Israel's key ally, would veto the move.

Erekat maintained that the Palestinians need to keep their hopes for independence alive.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the Palestinians to launch peace talks with him. The Palestinians refuse, saying Netanyahu must first stop building settlements on lands they claim.

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Comments (3)

  1. Added 12:33 November 16, 2009

    The situation is SO lopsided! Palestinians have been suffering for years, and the one body which claims to be a neutral party gives one party in a two-party conflict a veto right! I never really got the concept of giving veto rights, as it just adds to unjust systems in the world.

    Aisha, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

  2. Added 10:06 November 16, 2009

    I dont think peace talks will lead anywhere, because Isrealis will not stop buidling settlements on Palestinian grounds. And without that, peace is nothing but a word. So i completely support the move for Independence.

    Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  3. Added 08:44 November 16, 2009

    Untill Israel will not stop its building up the conlony on Palestinian land, no peace talk would be possible. There must be first boundry between these two countries then peace talk process.

    Shaikh Mohammad Ayoub, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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