Britain to vote ‘Yes’ to Palestinian bid if Israel peace talks resume.

                  This Thursday or Friday, when the question is asked, France will vote yes,

Britain to vote ‘Yes’ to Palestinian bid if Israel peace talks resume.(AA).Britain is prepared to back a key vote recognizing Palestinian statehood at the United Nations on Thursday, but only if Palestinians agree to re-enter peace talks with Israel, British newspapers reported. Foreign Secretary William Hague will reportedly tell members of the British parliament that the UK is “willing to vote in favor of Palestinians having non-member status at the United Nations” if Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas agrees to re-enter talks with Israel without preconditions, the Daily Mail reported.
Britain’s backing of the bid is needed, Abbas has said, in part because of its historic responsibility for Palestine. But Britain has previously refused, citing strong U.S. and Israeli objections and fears of long-term damage to prospects for negotiations. France said on Tuesday it would vote in favor of Palestinian non-member status at the United Nations, an important boost in Palestinian efforts to secure greater international recognition. The Palestinians have lobbied for support from European countries for their bid at watered-down statehood at the U.N. set for two days time. While Israel has lobbied against them, the Palestinians are set for a sure victory in the 193-member world body made up mostly of developing countries long sympathetic to their cause. “This Thursday or Friday, when the question is asked, France will vote yes,” French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius announced in the French National Assembly, the lower house of parliament. “It is only with negotiations between the two sides that we demand immediately without any preconditions that a Palestinian state can become a reality,” he said. Switzerland said Wednesday it will vote in favor of the Palestinian bid for enhanced status at the United Nations, echoing similar announcements by a slew of other nations. The Palestinian draft resolution to be voted on at the UN General Assembly on Thursday was “both constructive and pragmatic”, the Federal Council said in a statement. Britain, which in recent weeks had pushed European countries to abstain on the statehood vote, has requested that Palestinians foreswear applying to the International Criminal Court in return for changing the British vote to a “yes.” The ICC is not an official organ of the United Nations, but generally accepts applications from its members. Israel has at times cancelled visits by officials to Britain out of fear of war crimes litigation there. It is concerned that future Palestinian claims at the court could focus on its leaders and undermine its standing abroad.Hmmmm.....Churchill must be turning in his grave.Read the full story here.