White House opposes Palestinian statehood – leaked cables — RT World News
The United States is reportedly pressuring the United Nations to reject the regional authority's membership application, which could amount to recognition
The US government is pressuring UN Security Council countries to reject the Palestinian Authority's request for full membership, according to The Intercept. according to Leaked diplomatic cables.
Earlier this month, the regional authority requested admission as a full member of the United Nations. The State of Palestine has had observer status since 2012, but full membership would be tantamount to recognition of a Palestinian state, which Israel opposes.
The Intercept reported on Wednesday that it had obtained copies of unclassified US State Department cables that contradict the Biden administration's pledge to fully support the two-state solution.
The United States insists that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state must occur through direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine, and not at the United Nations. President Joe Biden had previously said categorically that Washington supports the two-state solution and is working to achieve it as soon as possible.
The cables are reported to detail the pressures being applied to Security Council members, including Malta, the rotating president of the council this month. According to the report, Ecuador in particular is called upon to pressure Malta and other countries, including France, to oppose UN recognition of the Palestinian Authority. The Foreign Ministry reportedly noted that normalizing relations between Israel and Arab countries is the fastest and most effective way to achieve a lasting and productive state.
One diplomatic cable, dated April 12, included arguments for the US administration's opposition to the vote, citing the risk of inflaming tensions, political backlash, and the possibility that the US Congress would cut UN funding.
He added: “We therefore urge you not to support any potential Security Council resolution recommending the admission of Palestine as a member state of the United Nations, in the event that such a resolution is submitted to the Security Council for a decision in the coming days and weeks.” Reads leaky cable.
The 15-member Security Council is scheduled to vote on Friday on a draft resolution recommending that the 193-member UN General Assembly… “Acceptance of the State of Palestine as a member of the United Nations.”
The Palestinian Authority applied for membership in 2011, but the application was never presented to the Security Council. At the time, the United States – as one of the five permanent members of the council – said it would exercise veto power if the vote was successful.
The following year, the United Nations upgraded the status of the State of Palestine from “Non-member observer entity” to “Non-member observer state” This status is held only by itself and the Vatican City.
US lobbying efforts suggest the White House hopes to avoid a public event “veto” At the request of the Palestinian membership, The Intercept suggested.
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