UNITED NATIONS: The United States is determined to veto the Jordan-sponsored resolution in the UN Security Council which seeks to end Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories by 2017.

Despite assurances by Palestinians that they are willing to work with Israel to iron out any problems, Israel has asked US, a permanent member of the 15-member UN security council, to block the resolution.

The US has assured Israel it will do its bidding as and when it requires with US Sectretary of State John Kerry during a visit to Telaviv.

Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour said on Wednesday that the Arab-backed resolution does not close the door on further negotiations on the issue, including with the United States.

“We will continue negotiating with all of them and with the Americans if they are ready and willing so that we perhaps can succeed in having something adopted by the Security Council to open a serious door to peace,” the ambassador said.

“We are willing to work with those who want to work with us for meaningful things.”

Jordan submitted the resolution on behalf of the Palestinians since Palestine is an observer to the UN and not a full member state. Only member states can present a resolution to the Security Council. The draft resolution calls for peace between Israel and the Palestinians within one year that “fulfills the vision of two independent democratic and prosperous states.”

Published in Dawn, December 20th, 2014