Palestine's Bid for UN Observer State Status Advances despite EU Hesitation

Briefing 20-11-2012

The vote on the observer state status for Palestine in the United Nations system is scheduled for 29 November 2012. For the Palestinian National Authority, the lack of progress in the Middle East Peace Process has provided the stimulus for seeking an upgrade to its status in the United Nations. The European Union supports Palestinian statehood in principle, but is divided on the appropriateness of the timing of the UN bid. The European Parliament backs the two-state solution, with its implicit upgrading of Palestine's status. Israel has threatened the Palestinian National Authority with serious reprisals if the PNA pursues its bid at the United Nations. The Palestinian National Authority's survival is at stake with the statehood bid in more than one way.