Defying US, Palestine Seeks UN Recognition for Statehood

Mahmoud Abbas's speech calling for Palestinian recognition by the UN was applauded by many of the delegates, 09/23/11. (photo: Justin Lane/EPA)

By Thalif Deen, Inter Press Service

24 September 11

f there were any lingering doubts the Palestinians would not be able to garner the support of an overwhelming majority of member states at the United Nations, they were laid to rest when the 193-member General Assembly Friday gave a rousing and rapturous welcome to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

As delegates from the United States and Israel sat glum-faced, the cavernous General Assembly Hall reverberated to more than a dozen rounds of sustained applause, including rare standing ovations, when Abbas made a plea for a separate nation state for Palestine.

After having submitted an application to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon seeking full UN membership - in defiance of unrelenting US pressure - Abbas kept the General Assembly riveted as he recounted the killings and destruction caused by the "occupying power" - and pleaded for recognition of statehood by the United Nations.
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