LOC22:26
19:26 GMT
ANKARA, Dec 12 (KUNA) -- Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said here
Wednesday he would take legal action against Israel should it go ahead with
its new settlement plan in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
In a press conference ahead of concluding a three-day visit to Turkey,
Abbas said Palestine, which is now a UN non-member observer state, can take
steps against Israel in order to protect the Palestinian right.
"We won't be patient if Israel goes ahead with its settlement plans in the
West Bank and Jerusalem, which are mainly meant to separate the north and
south of the West Bank," he said.
He noted that by building new settlements, Israel violates international
treaties, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, urging Israel to choose
between occupation, expansion of settlements and comprehensive peace.
On November 29, the 193-member UN General Assembly voted 138-9 with 41
abstentions to upgrade Palestine's status to non-member observer state.
The UN vote is seen as a long-sought victory for the Palestinians, but a
diplomatic defeat for Israel.
The observer state status grants Palestinians access to UN agencies and the
International Criminal Court, where they can file formal complaints against
Israel. (end)
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