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Palestinians Request UN Membership

Abbas makes formal appeal to UN chief Ban Ki-Moon

By the Associated Press

Posted Sep 23, 2011 7:18 AM CDT | Updated Sep 23, 2011 11:13 AM CDT

(AP) – Defying US and Israeli opposition, Palestinians asked the United Nations today to accept them as a member state. In his letter accompanying the application, Mahmoud Abbas asked UN chief Ban Ki-moon to immediately forward the request for full UN membership to the Security Council. Action on the membership request could take weeks or months, and the US has promised to veto it.

Abbas was greeted by sustained applause and appreciative whistles as he approached the dais in the General Assembly hall to deliver his speech. Some members of the Israeli delegation left the hall as Abbas approached the podium. Negotiations with Israel "will be meaningless" as long as it continues building on lands the Palestinians claim for that state, he declared. "I don’t believe anyone with a shred of conscience can reject our application for full admission in the United Nations."

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas holds his hands to his face as U.S. President Barack Obama speaks during the 66th session of the General Assembly at United Nations headquarters Wednesday, Sept. 21,... (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 54 comments

DVMStraight14Words

Sep 25, 2011 8:06 PM CDT

It's about time. The Palestinians have a right to self-determination. Time for the bully on the street to back off and stop building on their lands!

Ucantusethatname

Sep 23, 2011 1:10 PM CDT

Dream on, Abbas. "Negotiations with Israel 'will be meaningless' as long as it continues building on lands the Palestinians claim for that state." Indeed, they will be meaningless--as long as your people continue to bombard Israel with missiles and continue your waring ways.

ddhartma

Sep 23, 2011 12:13 PM CDT

I just can't wait for native Americans, Australian Aborigines, and the native peoples of other countries to file for UN recognized statehood.

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Palestinians Request UN Membership

Abbas makes formal appeal to UN chief Ban Ki-Moon

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