Abbas Apparently Reverses Decision to Accommodate Washington on UN Bid

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Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has apparently reversed his decision to hold-off on re-submitting a bid for UN recognition of statehood in what had been seen as a gesture to President Obama’s fight for re-election. It had been reported earlier in the week that Abbas would mention the issue in his speech before the General Assembly, but not make a formal application to the world body. But encouraged by his appearance at the Tehran conference of non-aligned nations, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Malki told reporters that the bid will be submitted on September 27^th. An Abbas aide told Voice of Palestine radio that the PA president had been under intense pressure from the United States not to go to Tehran, but rejected the advice. The goal of the Palestinian UN gambit is to be granted non-member status which will grant the Palestinian Authority standing in certain world bodies, including the International Criminal Court. Full membership requires a Security Council resolution which President Obama has vowed to veto.