Al-Faisal warns against US veto

The former-chief of Saudi Intelligence and ambassador in Washington, Prince Turki Al-Faisal, has warned the US that vetoing the Palestinian statehood bid at the UN will severely damage US-Saudi relations. The US and Saudi Arabia have long been key allies. Al-Faisal said in an article published in the New York Times that the US would destroy the two countries’ special relationship if it uses its veto power to block the vote for Palestinian statehood at the UN Security Council in late September. Al-Faisal also said that the veto would damage US relations throughout the Arab world. “The United States must support the Palestinian bid for statehood at the United Nations this month or risk losing the little credibility it has in the Arab world. If it does not, American influence will decline further, Israeli security will be undermined and Iran will be empowered, increasing the chances of another war in the region.” “Moreover, Saudi Arabia would no longer be able to cooperate with America in the same way it historically has.” “With most of the Arab world in upheaval, the “special relationship” between Saudi Arabia and the United States would increasingly be seen as toxic by the vast majority of Arabs and Muslims, who demand justice for the Palestinian people.” Prince Turki explained that the Saudi leadership would be forced to adopt a more-independent and assertive foreign policy that is more independent. “Like our recent military support for Bahrain’s monarchy, which America opposed, Saudi Arabia would pursue other policies at odds with those of the United States, including opposing the government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in Iraq and refusing to open an embassy there despite American pressure to do so.” “The Palestinian people deserve statehood and all that it entails: official recognition, endorsement by international organizations, the ability to deal with Israel on more equal footing and the opportunity to live in peace and security.” He added that Israel shouldn’t look at the Palestinian UN bid as a threat to its presence. Al-Faisal’s statement comes as Washington is desperately trying to avoid being the only UN Security Council member to exercise veto power. The US has also put pressure on the Palestinians to withdraw their bid, including threatening the withdrawal of aid. The Palestinian authority remains resolute and has insisted that it will proceed with its application.