Abbas Seeks Full U.N. Membership

On July 27, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas called for peaceful "popular resistance" against Israeli occupation to backside a diplomatic offensive at the United Nations.

Mr. Abbas was addressing the Palestine Liberation Organization during which he restated his resolution to seek full U.N. membership for a state of Palestine alongside Israel, a diplomatic move resulting from paralysis in the U.S.-backed peace process.

While Palestinian officials expect the United States to block their attempt to gain a full seat, the Palestinians anticipate winning enough support at September's General Assembly and securing a status upgrade. Palestine currently has the status of an observer.

Mahmoud Abbas said, "Every day, we face what induces us to carry out popular resistance on a wide scale and not in one place, and not by one group, If we really want this let's do it. I insist on popular resistance and I insist that it be unarmed popular resistance"

Palestinian officials are describing the diplomatic initiative as part of a new approach in their struggle to create an independent state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip with East Jerusalem as its capital.

An Israeli military commander said last week Israel would reinforce its border defenses in anticipation of such protests.


Speaker:
Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian president

Voice:
Tony Mezeraani