Palestinians seek settlement condemnation

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RAMALLAH, West Bank, July 2 (UPI) -- The Palestinian Liberation Organization said it will seek U.N. condemnation of Israel's settlement activity.

"Our demand is backed by the international community. We don't need a grand diplomatic effort," The Jerusalem Post quoted Majdi Khaldi, an adviser to President Mahmoud Abbas, as saying. Khaldi said consultations on a possible resolution will start Monday with international bodies linked to the U.N. Security Council.

Because it does not represent a member state at the United Nations, the PLO must work with other countries to pass resolutions.

"We are afraid that there won't be enough land [for us] to live in as two states side by side in peace. We're doing this both for the Palestinians' sake and for Israel's," he said.

The move followed a meeting by the Palestinian Liberation Organization in Ramallah Saturday. A statement released by PLO Secretary-General Yasser Abed Rabbo said the rise in "settlement activities in Jerusalem, the confiscation of land and the displacement of citizens from their homes are proof of a dangerous Israeli government plan to undermine the two-state solution, and seize Jerusalem from the rest of the Palestinian lands."

Direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians broke down in September 2010 and the Palestinians have since demanded an end to settlement activity before talks can resume. Israel wants talks without preconditions.