PARIS (Reuters) -- France on Thursday indicated it would support Palestinian efforts to secure a diplomatic upgrade at the United Nations, a decision likely to boost the PLO as it seeks greater international recognition.
Frustrated that a bid for full UN membership last year failed amid US opposition in the UN Security Council, the PLO has launched a watered-down bid for recognition as a non-member state, similar to the Vatican's UN status.
Without specifically saying which way France would vote at the UN General Assembly, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius hinted that Paris would support the bid.
"I can indicate which direction we may take and one that has been taken by previous French political parties (and) under previous governments," Fabius told members of the French Senate.
"As far as this current government goes, I would like to remind you of the campaign pledge number 59 of the (presidential) candidate, now President Francois Hollande, which said that there would be an international recognition of a Palestinian state."
The proposal, which is due to be put to the vote in the General Assembly later this month, would implicitly recognize Palestinian statehood and could also grant access to bodies such as the International Criminal Court in The Hague, where Palestine could file complaints against Israel. more
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