UNITED NATIONS • A draft resolution on raising the Palestinian flag at the United Nations (UN) looks likely to be adopted next week in time for President Mahmud Abbas' visit to New York, according to Palestine's envoy. The UN General Assembly will vote on Sept 10 on the measure that is almost certain to garner a majority of votes in the 193-nation forum.

"We have the votes and we are working to get as many votes as we can," the Palestinian representative to the UN, Mr Riyad Mansour, said on Thursday.

Once adopted, the UN will have 20 days to carry out the decision, which would be in time for Mr Abbas' visit on Sept 30.

Mr Mansour declined to say whether a formal flag-raising ceremony would be held during Mr Abbas' visit, an event that would highlight the Palestinians' aspirations for statehood. The draft resolution presented last week would allow the flags of Palestine and of the Vatican to be hoisted alongside those of the 193 member states.

Israel's envoy to the UN this week expressed strong opposition to the initiative, accusing the Palestinians of trying to "score easy and meaningless points at the UN".

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE