Palestinian leader asks UN to recognize state

Mahmoud Abbas defies U.S., Israeli opposition, requests recognition as member state

By Amy Teibel - Mohammed Daragameh

Published September 23, 2011 5:31PM (EDT)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas holds his hands to his face as U.S. President Barack Obama speaks during the 66th session of the General Assembly at United Nations headquarters Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) (AP/Seth Wenig)
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas holds his hands to his face as U.S. President Barack Obama speaks during the 66th session of the General Assembly at United Nations headquarters Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) (AP/Seth Wenig)

The Palestinian president on Friday formally asked the United Nations to recognize a state of Palestine, defying U.S. and Israeli opposition.

The application for full U.N. member sidesteps nearly two decades of troubled negotiations and risks a threatened American veto.


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Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Israel United Nations