Abbas confirms Palestinian UN bid on Nov 29

CAIRO (AFP) - Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas told Arab foreign ministers gathered in Cairo on Monday that the Palestinian Authority will present its bid for non-state membership of the United Nations on Nov 29.

Following talks with Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi, "it has been agreed that the request will be presented on Nov 29," Mr Abbas said, calling for support from Arab states.

Earlier Palestinian negotiator Mohammed Shtayeh told reporters that the bid, opposed by the United States and Israel, would take place by Nov 29.

US President Barack Obama told Mr Abbas in a telephone conversation on Sunday that his administration opposes the Palestinian UN initiative and Israeli officials have threatened punitive measures if the Palestinians go ahead with the bid.