Update. Russia backs Palestine statehood. Application goes before the UN Security Council today, Sept. 26, 2011.

Russia backs Palestinian UN bid

A source from the Russian delegation at the UN General Assembly session told journalists that Russia will support Palestine's bid for full UN membership.

­Following Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ emotional bid for membership for a state of Palestine in the United Nations on Friday, Moscow announced it will support the proposal if it comes up for a vote.

"If this issue is put to a vote, we will support it," the source said, as quoted by Interfax.

Abbas handed an application for Palestine’s membership in the international body to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for the territories governed by the Palestinian National Authority, the organization said in a statement.

The Palestinian appeal to the General Assembly comes after 20 years of failed peace talks sponsored by the US, Israel's main ally, as well as continued Israeli settlement expansion on land the Palestinians proclaim for their future state.

Palestinian authorities said they are confident the UN Security Council (UNSC) will consider their bid for fully-fledged membership in the UN within the next few days, Palestinian Ambassador to Moscow Faed Mustafa said.

[link to rt.com]

Last Edited by Sedi on 09/26/2011 10:30 AM