UN starts PNA review

The Security Council committee that reviews UN membership applications has met for the first time to consider the Palestinians’ request. French Ambassador Gerard Araud told reporters after Friday’s closed meeting that the committee is asking experts to determine if the request meets UN charter requirements. Araud says experts will review technical aspects next week and report back to the 15-member Security Council. Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour says his delegation hopes this part of the process will move quickly. German Chancellor Angela Merkel telephoned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to demand a quick return to peace talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, her spokesman said. UN envoys say the panel needs only a simple majority or eight of 15 votes to approve the request, and it cannot be vetoed. The council needs nine votes for approval, and the US has threatened a veto.  ( from The Gulf Today )