Abbas turns to UNSC to set 2016 deadline for Israeli withdrawal

Liberman charges that Abbas is playing to internal politics at the expense of the peace process.

By TOVAH LAZAROFF
PA President Mahmoud Abbas (photo credit: REUTERS)
PA President Mahmoud Abbas
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said he had submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council in New York on the two-state solution.
According to a copy of the resolution obtained by AFP, the Palestinians call on the UNSC to set a November 2016 date for an Israeli withdrawal to the pre-1967 lines.
“With regards to the United Nations, I am sure you heard we have submitted a draft resolution to the Security Council, who started consultations a few days ago and will continue for three weeks, perhaps longer, until we receive an answer,” said Abbas.
Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman charged that Abbas was playing to internal politics at the expense of the peace process, which would not be advanced by this move.
UN Ambassador Ron Prosor said in response, “Once again, the Palestinians are shooting in all directions, missing the real target.
“Their habit of bypassing negotiations by taking unilateral action and blaming everyone but themselves will only move the region further away from stability.
“It’s time for the Palestinians to aim higher and find constructive solutions, instead of avoiding a real dialogue.
Only when they start taking responsibility, we will be able to move forward,” Prosor said.
The draft is likely to be met with opposition from veto-wielding member the United States, a key ally of Israel.
"We are aware of President Abbas's plan and we continue to believe, to strongly believe, that the only way to a negotiated solution is through negotiations between the two parties," US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power told reporters on Tuesday.
Reuters contributed to this report.