Political sources claim European Union, Palestinian Authority holding last minute talks in attempt to reach compromise over statehood bid, allow Palestinians to upgrade UN membership status without joining International Criminal Court
Attila Somflavi
 
צילום: אבי פרץ
|
| PM Netanyahu |
A senior political source on Thursday told Ynet that a compromise which will benefit all parties involved is in the works.
Related stories:
- Livni: Gov’t to blame for Palestinian UN bid
- Netanyahu to address General Assembly ahead of PA bid
- PA to file UN membership bid with Security Council
„There has been significant progress in the talks between the Europeans and the Palestinian Authority, so that they will be able to upgrade their status at the UN, but will not be able to join the International Criminal Court (ICC),” said the source.
According to the official, if the Palestinians agree to such an arrangement, the heavy-weight European nations would be able to vote in favor of upgrading the Palestinians’ status and „Israel will gain from this move and will be able to live in peace with it.”
EU Foreign Affairs Chief Ashton and PA President Abbas (Photo: AFP)
Earlier on Thursday, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad al-Malki announcedthat the Palestinian Authority will submit its bid for full UN membership with the UN Security Council on Friday, September 23.
However, a top Palestinian official said that the decision may still change depending on the outcome of urgent talks that are taking place with the European Union and the United States.
Last minute attempts
In recent weeks, Israel’s Foreign Ministry sent an official letter to the UN delegations, in which they stated that the Palestinians will try to present their decision to seek recognition at the General Assembly instead of appealing to the Security Council as a „compromise,” in order to win the European „swing votes.”
„They will try to portray it as if they gave up, but in reality it has the same significance,” the letter explained.
| PM Netanyahu |
PM Netanyahu annonces trip to UNGA
The Israeli diplomats claimed that upgrading the Palestinians’ status at the UN will give them de-facto benefits of full members, and allow them to join all the organization’s institutions and bodies, including the International Criminal Court.
Such a step, the diplomats claimed, will enable them to file lawsuits against Israeli officials and IDF personnel.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that he will travel to New York City and address the UN General Assembly ahead of the Palestinian bid for statehood. His address has been set for next Wednesday.
Israel’s position, he said, has remained the same: „The only way for a Palestinian state to come to be is through negotiations. The PA’s decision (to appeal to the UNSC) could change tomorrow. I’ll be at the UN. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will be at the UN. We could save the trip – Ramallah is only 10 minutes away. Direct negotiations are the simplest way to achieve peace.
„I hope that the Palestinians will eventually understand that there is no other alternative,” he said.
Yitzhak Benhorin contributed to this report
