Could the Security Council say no without a US veto?
Could the Security Council actually vote against a 'Palestinian state' without a US veto? That's what Israel is working towards - probably at the Obama administration's request - and although the notion seems fanciful to me, they're not giving up. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki said Tuesday that seven of the Security Council member states endorse the Palestinian bid for statehood. He added that the Palestinian Authority is engaged in efforts to secure the support of Nigeria and Bosnia.I don't understand something: If you need two thirds, why do they require nine states and note ten? There are 15 members of the Council.
Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that nine states support the bid. In an interview with the London-based al-Sharq al-Awsat Abbas said that he is aware that pressure is being exerted on some states. "We don't know if they will change their positions," he noted.
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Thus far, only three of the 15 Security Council member states have said they will oppose the Palestinian UN membership bid: the US, Germany and Colombia. Eight states are leaning towards endorsement which leaves one state to swing the vote and achieve the necessary majority of two-thirds.
Israel, on its part, is working to contain the Palestinian campaign. The US is mounting massive pressure on the undecided states. According to US sources, the most challenging states are Nigeria, Bosnia and Gabon.
Here's my guess. In addition to the three already opposed, Britain and France will eventually abstain. Russia, China and Lebanon will vote in favor. So we need one or two more to abstain or vote against. What could go wrong?
Labels: Palestinian state RIGHT NOW syndrome, Unilateral declaration of independence (UDI), United Nations Security Council
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 9:29 PM
2 Comments:
Alternate Obama brainstorm (I mean, he could just veto the damn thing but nooooooo): Abbas delivers letter of intent to UNSC to be followed up later by actual request if Fatah and Israel can't suss things out.
So the strategy is Obama and the EU and the UN cock a gun, point it at Israel's temple, and sternly admonish the PA, restart talks or we'll pull the trigger!!
http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2011/09/20/un-statehood-delay-palestinians/
Israel is just so lucky to have this stalwart friend of the Jews by their side! Why can't those Likudnik dual-loyalist millionaires and billionaires realize that, as New York Magazine, enthused, Obama is America's "first Jewish President"?
Why, indeed.....
If Israel can't get the nay votes will Obama veto or will he go along with the crowd?
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