Abbas: U.N. Security Council resolution's final draft on Palestinian statehood imminent

NEW YORK, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- A final draft of a U.N. resolution calling for an end to Israeli's occupation of Palestinian territory by the end of 2017 was expected to be submitted to the U.N. Security Council Monday.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told senior Fatah party leaders on Monday the resolution would be submitted later that day.

Although a vote could take place as early as Tuesday, Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki told the Ma'an news agency that a vote could be delayed until the new year. "This process will take more than a day or two, and we must be clear with our people in order to avoid a state of confusion stemming from the numerous statements, which are sometimes contradictory."

Hamas on Sunday urged the Palestinian Authority to withdraw the draft resolution, arguing that "it contains massive concessions" and "does not reflect the national desire of our people."

The U.S., a veto power on the Security Council, has expressed reticence to support the resolution, calling instead for a negotiated solution between Israeli and Palestinian parties.