Palestinians seek new UN status as observer state

UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- The Palestinians have circulated a draft resolution to the 193 U.N. member states that would elevate their status at the United Nations from an observer to a non-member observer state.

The Palestinian Observer Mission said Thursday that no decision has been made on when to submit the draft resolution to the U.N. General Assembly for a vote, which would almost certainly be approved. That would elevate the Palestinians to the same status as the Vatican.

Arab League foreign ministers are expected to discuss the resolution at a meeting in Cairo on Nov. 12-13, a Palestinian diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.

There are no vetoes in the General Assembly. But Israel and the United States oppose the bid.

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