UN Security Council refers Palestinian application to become full UN member to committee
The committee of the 15 members first assesses an application to see if it satisfies requirements for UN membership. The application can then either be shelved or put forward for a formal vote in the Security Council. Approval requires at least nine votes in favour and no vetos by the US, Russia, China, France or Britain.
“The committee has to deliberate within the month of April,” Frazier told reporters ahead of the meeting. The Security Council earlier on Monday met behind closed doors to discuss the letter from the observer state requesting renewed consideration of their application.
Mansour told Reuters last week that the aim was for the council to take a decision at an April 18 ministerial meeting on the Middle East.
US pressures Russia to embrace UN push against nuclear weapons in space
Israel’s UN ambassador Gilad Erdan said earlier on Monday that a Palestinian state would be a threat to Israel’s national security.
“Granting the Palestinian statehood is not only a blatant violation of the UN Charter, it also violates the fundamental principle that everyone can understand of reaching a solution a lasting solution at the negotiating table,” Erdan told reporters.
“The UN has been sabotaging peace in the Middle East for years. But today marks the beginning of the point of no return.”