Israel Allies Lobby Against U.N. Recognition Of Palestinian State

[Purveyor]

WASHINGTON -- As more signs point to the lack of progress in the Middle East peace process, American Jewish groups and supporters of Israel are working to head off an expected September vote in the United Nations General Assembly to recognize a state of Palestine.

Even before last week's visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to put the kibosh on renewed negotiations with the Palestinians, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and Jewish groups have been whipping the vote in the 192-member General Assembly where two-thirds, or 128 countries, are needed to recognize a Palestinian state.

The matter may never get to the floor of the General Assembly, of course, as it would first require the recommendation of the U.N.'s Security Council, a move that could be vetoed by the United States.

But an official with a U.S. Jewish organization, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the issue, said Israel's allies expect to lose if the issue comes up for a vote.

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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/26/israel-lobbies-united-nations-vote-palestine_n_867532.html

[oberliner]

1. Interesting assortment of countries - Canada, Australia, Kenya?

Should be quite a vote if it gets to that which I think it will.