Jerusalem: The Palestinian President says his new attempt to get the United Nations to condemn Israeli settlements was specifically designed to win US’ support.
The Palestinians have drafted a proposal and are lobbying for a Security Council resolution that would declare West Bank settlements illegal and an "obstacle to peace”.
The US has said it does not support the move. Israel says it is an attempt by the Palestinians to avoid negotiations.
President Mahmoud Abbas says the Palestinian draft used the "same words" as US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has in criticising settlements.
He says he "doesn't see why" the US would veto the move.
Abbas spoke on Thursday in Brazil, which recently recognised the yet-nonexistent state of Palestine.
Bureau Report
First Published: Friday, December 31, 2010, 13:58