EREKAT: UN TO VOTE ON PALESTINE BID BEFORE END OF YEAR

Bethlehem, 2 Rabiul Awwal 1436/24December 2014 (MINA)- The United Nations Security Council will vote on a draft UN resolution that sets terms for a final Israeli-Palestinian peace deal before the end of 2014, PLO official Saeb Erekat said Tuesday.

Speaking to Russian media, Erekat said that the PLO have made several amendments to the draft submitted last week and that the vote would take place “very soon” at any time before the end of 2014, in nine days.

PA Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki had said Friday that the vote could take place within 24 hours, but it never materialized, Ma’an News Agency quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine on Tuesday urged the Palestinian leadership to “immediately withdraw” the draft resolution, arguing that the the leadership is presenting a confusing picture of the bid.

“They have been presenting it before the political bazaar at international level for bids, then they claim they are making amendments as if it has been submitted by others,” the group said in a statement.

“Both the original version and the amended version, including the French and British remarks, is beyond repair and reform, and should be withdrawn immediately without delay.”

The only solution, according to the group, is to withdraw the resolution before it is discussed at the UN and invite all Palestinian groups for a comprehensive national dialogue. (T/P010/R04)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)