Palestine, which filed a statehood bid to the United Nations last month, meets all UN Charter requirements to become the international organization’s member, Russia’s envoy to the UN Vitaly Churkin said.
Churkin called the Palestinians’ desire to become a UN member “logical and natural.” “We recognized the Palestinian state back in 1988, and are ready to back the Palestinians’ request now as well,” he told the UN Security Council.
The Russian envoy said Russia proceeds from the fact that the statehood bid does not run counter to the negotiation process with Israel.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas filed a request for a UN vote on Palestinian statehood recognition to UN chief Ban Ki-moon on September 23. The United States and Israel voiced fears that the move could undermine the Arab-Israeli dialogue.
“Despite warnings, positive changes have been outlined between the parties since September,” Churkin said, citing the recent exchange of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit for more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Calling on the Fatah and Hamas movements to make efforts to unite the country, Churkin also expressed concern over Israel still building houses on occupied territories.
“Israel should revise its construction plans in East Jerusalem and stop demolishing Palestinian buildings,” the Russian envoy said.
