The Palestinian Authority has formally asked for renewed consideration by the United Nations Security Council of its 2011 application to become a full member of the world body.

Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour told Reuters on Monday that the aim was for the council to take a decision at an April 18 ministerial meeting on the Middle East, but that a vote had yet to be scheduled.

How does the UN admit new member states?

Countries seeking to join the UN usually present an application to the UN secretary-general, who sends it to the 15-member Security Council for an assessment and vote.

Mansour sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday requesting renewed consideration by the Security Council of a Palestinian application for full membership made in 2011. Guterres has sent the letter to the Security Council, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

A council committee of the 15 members first assesses an application to see if it satisfies the requirements for UN membership. The application can then either be shelved or put forward for a formal vote in the Security Council. Approval requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the US, Russia, China, France or Britain.

If the council approves the membership request, it then moves to the General Assembly for approval. A membership request needs a two-thirds majority to be approved by the assembly. A country cannot join the United Nations unless both the Security Council and General Assembly approve.