Obama addresses UN as Palestinian bid prompts rallies
NEW YORK. September 21. KAZINFORM Barack Obama has told the UN General Assembly the Palestinians deserve their own state, but that this would only be achieved through talks with Israel.
The US president's speech came as diplomatic efforts for Palestinian UN membership intensified, while thousands rallied in the West Bank, BBC News reports.
"Peace will not come through statements and resolutions at the UN," he said.
He added there could be no "short cut" to peace, and is expected to urge the Palestinians to give up the initiative.
Mr Obama is holding talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and is to meet Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas later.
Mr Abbas is set to launch the statehood bid on Friday, after his address to the UN General Assembly, with a written request to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
If his request is approved by Mr Ban, the Security Council will then examine and vote on it. In order to pass, the request must get the votes of nine out of 15 council members, with no vetoes from the permanent members.
For full version see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14997936