Europe is in favor of recognizing a Palestinian state, Abbas claims

"The world is on our side," says PA president; only 9 countries opposed Palestinian statehood bid at the UN General Assembly in 2012, notes Abbas.

By KHALED ABU TOAMEH
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas attends a Christmas Midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank town of Bethlehem December 25 (photo credit: REUTERS)
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas attends a Christmas Midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank town of Bethlehem December 25
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said on Saturday that the Palestinians feel they are in a position of strength “because the world is standing with us.”
In a message to Fatah activists in Nablus, Abbas said that the parliaments and governments of important countries in Europe have voted in favor of recognizing a Palestinian state.
He pointed out that only nine countries opposed the Palestinian statehood bid at the United Nations General Assembly in 2012.
Abbas said that in light of worldwide support, the Palestinians felt strong enough to go to the Security Council and ask for a resolution that sets a timeline for an Israeli withdrawal to the pre-1967 lines.
“Despite the challenges, pressure and conspiracies, we are in a very strong political position,” Abbas said. “The world is on our side.”
He hinted that the Palestinians would join more international organizations and treaties, including the International Criminal Court, if the proposed resolution is foiled at the Security Council.
“We take our decisions at the appropriate time and in a way that serves our national interests,” he added. “Therefore, we chose to join a number of international organizations and treaties. We have also left the door open for joining other bodies.”