Obama meets with Abbas ahead of UN bid

In a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the White House, President Barack Obama confirmed that the United States will veto the Palestinian bid for full membership of the United Nations on Friday.

The BBC reported that Obama tried to persuade Abbas to drop the plan for Palestinian statehood, saying this could only be achieved through talks with Israel.

But despite the U.S. position, Abbas said he would not be dissuaded, and pledged to press ahead with the request at the U.N. Security Council.

Palestinian negotiators say the Security Council will be given time to consider the request, before turning to the General Assembly.

Obama met Abbas after giving a speech Wednesday night at the General Assembly, where he “expressed unwavering commitment to Israel”, reported Ynetnews.

(Read more on Global Post in Ramallah: The West Bank prepares for Independence Day)

Meanwhile the Maan News Agency said thousands of people rallied in the West Bank in support of the Palestinian bid for a U.N. seat.

Meanwhile, in his speech to the General Assembly, French President Nicolas Sarkozy warned a U.S. veto could spur violence in the Middle East.

He called on both the Palestinian Authority and Israel to accept a Palestinian promotion to UN observer status as a compromise.

To pass, the Palestinian bid for statehood would need the backing of nine out of 15 council members, with no vetoes from the permanent members.