The Palestinian envoy to the UN, Riyad Mansour, said in an interview Thursday with France 24 that recognition of an independent Palestinian state would be “an investment in peace.” “If there is a global consensus on the two-state solution,” he said,” then what is the problem with legislating the existence of the state of Palestine?”

In the interview, Mansour said that close to 130 countries recognize a Palestinian state. When asked about the U.S. intention of vetoing the move in the Security Council, he said that “we have other options, including options in General Assembly that will allow us to legislate… we will be able to have a resolution if we start through the General Assembly.”

The Palestinian envoy also spoke of the violence some observers fear may break out after the vote. “I believe that the struggle for ending the occupation and having independence is not an issue relegated to 100 or 200 Palestinian leaders,” he said. “The issue belongs to all the Palestinian people. If September vote brings peaceful protests in Palestinian territories, the U.S., Israel, and the rest of the international community should take notice.”

For more, go to Haaretz.com

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