US threatens Europe against supporting Palestine at UN - Remember Palestine

The United States has warned European governments against supporting a Palestinian bid for enhanced status at the United Nations, saying such a move "would be extremely counterproductive" and threatening "significant negative consequences" for the Palestinian Authority, including financial sanctions.


A US memorandum, seen by British newspaper the Guardian, said Palestinian statehood "can only be achieved via direct negotiations with the Israelis" and urged European governments "to support [American] efforts" to block the bid.

The message was communicated by officials to representatives of European governments at the UN general assembly (UNGA) in New York last week.

Palestinian officials accused the US of exerting "tremendous pressure" on European governments to oppose their bid for upgraded "non-member state" status at the UNGA.

Hanan Ashwari, a member of the Palestinian Liberation Organization executive committee, described the memorandum as "typical American behavior but also overkill".

"It is ridiculous and unconscionable the way they put themselves at the service of Israel in such a blatant way. This is tremendous American pressure and bias."

Following the Palestinians' acceptance as a state by the United Nations cultural and heritage body, UNESCO, the US cut off funding as a punitive measure. The US had contributed 22% of UNESCO’s annual budget.

Discussions among European governments on whether to support the Palestinians' bid are due to be held this week. However the 27 member states are unlikely to forge a common line. Source