Palestinian FM: Lebanon to ‘Have a Lot of Influence’ in U.N. Bid
The Palestinian foreign minister has said that the Palestinians expect their bid for United Nations recognition will receive a boost from Lebanon's taking over the presidency of the U.N. Security Council.
Riad Malki said Saturday the Palestinians will press ahead as planned with their independence bid in late September.
He said Lebanon "will have a lot of influence" in its new role and that will help the Palestinian initiative. Beirut assumes the presidency of the Security Council in September.
Israel and the U.S. strongly oppose the Palestinians’ U.N. plan, saying Palestinian statehood should only be achieved through negotiations.
The U.N. vote is largely symbolic. The Palestinians believe it will send a powerful message to Israel.
The Palestinians say they are assured nonmember state status if they turn to the General Assembly.
15 August 2011, 01:02
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We may not owe anything to the Palestinians but Lebanon needs to do what is right. They are our neighbors and a Palestinian state will further weaken Israel. The are nevertheless oppressed Arabs who we should support, and it is attitude like shabs that results in Israel's strength and the Arab dysfunction. People who hold grudges from the Civil War are stupid and is the reason why Lebanon is a political disaster. This is a new age, and a new generation will be taking over soon. This is the first step to an Arab comeback, which should include Lebanon as a leader and role model. Their future state will include Holy sites such as Jericho, Bethlehem, Hebron, and hopefully part of Jerusalem, which are some of the most important sites for the major Arab religions Islam and Christianity. This is important to Lebanon because they are our neighbors.
15 August 2011, 05:00
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Looking forward to have no Palestinians in Lebanon! Leave us alone, you have overstayed your welcome
