Bishop William Shomali speaks on bid for Palestinian statehood
Feverish negotiations are underway at the United Nations this week either in support
of or to block a Palestinian bid for statehood. President Mahmoud Abbas has vowed
to present a request for international recognition of a Palestinian state to the fifteen
member Security Council Friday. A Security Council resolution could lead to admission
of Palestinians to the U.N. as a “non-member observer state” similar to the Holy See’s
own status. Currently, the PLO is listed as an “observer” to the U.N. What would
statehood mean to the Palestinians and how hopeful are they that their request will
muster the support it needs ? Tracey McClure put those questions to the auxiliary
Bishop of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, William Shomali who says Palestinians
will undoubtedly feel disappointed if the U.S. makes good on its vow to veto the measure. Listen
to the interview: