U.S. reiterates Palestinian statehood opposition at U.N.

WASHINGTON (JTA) — The United States reiterated its opposition to any unilateral Palestinian attempt to seek statehood recognition at the United Nations.

"Let there be no doubt: symbolic actions to isolate Israel at the United Nations in September will not create an independent Palestinian state," Rosemary DiCarlo, the deputy U.S. envoy to the United Nations, said Tuesday in a Security Council debate on the matter. "The United States will not support unilateral campaigns at the United Nations in September or any other time."

DiCarlo stopped short of commiting to vetoing such a resolution.

The Security Council was not considering a motion to recognize Palestinian statehood. Instead, the debate was scheduled only to discuss what would happen should the Palestinians press their case for statehood.

DiCarlo said that only through "serious and responsible negotiations can the parties achieve the shared goal of two states for two peoples, with a secure, Jewish state of Israel living side by side in peace and security with an independent, contiguous, and viable state of Palestine."

B’nai B’rith International commended the United States for its opposition to unilateral statehood recognition.

"This reaffirmation of the United States’ stance against a unilaterally declared Palestinian state at the United Nations will hopefully inspire other nations in the world body to recognize the need for direct, bilateral negotiations as the only way to achieve peace," said the group, which maintains an office that deals with the international organization.

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian envoy, said Israel was guilty of unilateral actions through its settlement building.

Ron Prosor, the Israeli U.N. envoy, said that Hamas’ control over the Gaza Strip renders unviable any statehood plans.