France to back Palestinian bid for enhanced UN status

Foreign Minister recalls France's 'consistent position' on the issue.

PARIS: France will back a Palestinian bid for enhanced United Nations status at a General Assembly vote this week, Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said on Tuesday.

Fabius recalled France's "consistent position" on the issue and told the National Assembly that Paris would vote "yes" in Thursday's vote on a call for "non-member observer state" status for the Palestinians.

The draft seeking the status upgrade also calls on the UN Security Council to "consider favourably" the Palestinian request for full membership made one year ago.

The United States has blocked that move at the 15-nation council.