The United States called on European governments to oppose the Palestinian Authority's bid to upgrade its status to "non-member state" at the UN, according to Britain's
Guardian newspaper, citing a US memorandum.
The
Guardian reported that the US communique described the PA's move as "extremely counterproductive," and warned of "significant negative consequences" for the PA, including financial sanctions.The memorandum purportedly also reiterated the US' long-standing policy that Palestinian statehood "can only be achieved via direct negotiations with the Israelis," and thus urged EU governments "to support [American] efforts" to block the bid.
The
Guardian claimed that the message was communicated by US diplomats to representatives of European governments during last week's UN general assembly.
The US state department declined to comment on the matter.
