UN set to vote on settlement resolution; U.S. set to veto

18.02.2011                      14.Adar l, 5771

UNO:

UN set to vote on settlement resolution; U.S. set to veto

U.S. is the only Security Council member that opposes the resolution; though its wording does not conflict with Washington’s stance on settlements it fears that if the resolution passes it will be an obstacle to renewal of peace talks.

The UN Security Council is expected to vote today on a resolution brought by the Arab states and the Palestinian Authority declaring the Jewish settlements in the West Bank illegal and an obstacle to a two-state solution. The United States is expected to veto the resolution, its first such action since President Barack Obama took office two years ago.
To avoid having to exercise its veto power, the Obama administration tried to persuade the Palestinians to withdraw the resolution in favor of a non-binding statement from the Security Council presidency condemning settlement activity and additional diplomatic incentives….