Palestine to pursue U.N. state status

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RAMALLAH, West Bank, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- The Palestinian Authority will go back to the United Nations this month seeking recognition as a non-member state, President Mahmoud Abbas said.

Abbas told reporters Saturday 133 nations have recognized a Palestinian state.

Palestine is currently considered an "observer entity by the United Nations. A step up to "observer state" would open the door for Palestinian representatives to serve on U.N. committees and the international Criminal Court, Ynetnews.com said.

A vote by 193 nations would enable Palestine to move up in status without going through the Security Council, where there was a risk of a veto by the United States.

Ynetnews said Abbas announced the new U.N. push amid an outbreak of protests over economic issues inside the PA.