Palestine’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, said today that the UN Security Council is scheduled to hold an open session at the end of this month, for a public debate to discuss President Mahmoud Abbas’s initiative on holding an international peace conference.
Mansour told official Voice of Palestine radio that during a meeting held two days ago with the Non-Aligned Movement bloc in the UN Security Council, it was agreed to continue to consult with all members of the UNSC, the International Quartet and the Secretary-General’s Office on the President Abbas’ initiative.
He said talks are underway with the parties concerned and those expected to participate in the conference, adding that Palestine was listening to all opinions and proposals regarding the importance of preparing for this conference.
Mansour pointed out that many countries have expressed their willingness to participate in the public debate at the end of this month, pending access to the open public debate three months later under the chairmanship of Tunisia. He explained that by that time, the State of Palestine will have responded to all inquiries and clarified all issues concerning the practical steps to hold the peace conference.
Mansour explained that the six main committees that will vote on the draft resolutions related to Palestine have begun their work in the corridors of the United Nations, and that consultations regarding them are going on.
