Nadine Osman
The Palestinian envoy to the UN stated on January 9 that the Palestinian Authority may pursue full UN membership this year.
“This is an investment in peace and an investment in saving the two-state solution,” Ambassador Riyad Mansour told reporters at the UN.
In November 2012, the UN General Assembly voted to elevate the Palestinians’ status to that of a non-member observer state, allowing its ambassador to participate in discussions and UN organisations but not vote.
In 1974, the Palestine Liberation Organisation was recognised as an observer entity.
Mansour explained that the Palestinian Authority, with the cooperation of Arab governments, would begin mobilising support to go to the UN Security Council, which holds the key to membership because it must approve a request before it can be sent to the General Assembly for a final vote.
That means that at least nine council members must vote in favour of the change, and none of the five permanent members can veto it.
Over the years, the US, as a permanent council member, has overwhelmingly used its veto to stop activities that “might harm” Israel or that Israel opposes.
In 2012, when the Palestinians’ status was enhanced in the General Assembly, the US was one of just nine countries, including Israel, and the only permanent council member to vote against it.
“The obstacle is in the Security Council,” Mansour acknowledged. “We need to find a solution to that obstacle and remove it from the path so that the State of Palestine assumes its rightful place as a member state of the United Nations.”
Mansour said Arab foreign ministers will meet in mid-March, which could be an important moment in deciding when they will move towards the Security Council.
He noted that the US is in an election year, which would also play a role in timing. “Maybe things need to be done before May, before we go into full swing of elections,” he said of the U.S. presidential race.
But as the war between Israel and Hamas enters its fourth month, Mansour said the top priority remains achieving a cease-fire. “If you want peace, start with a cease-fire.
Cease-fire. Cease-fire. And cease-fire, now,” he said at a related meeting in the General Assembly, holding up a small sign with the words. At the same meeting, Israel’s envoy said a ceasefire would only help keep Hamas in power in the Gaza Strip, which it has ruled since 2007.
Photo: Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour speaks during the Security Council meeting at United Nations headquarters. (Credit: Atılgan Özdil/AA)
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