Palestinians seek U.N. vote on draft

UNITED NATIONS, DEC. 9. Palestine and its supporters are pressing for a vote in the Security Council on Monday on a slightly modified resolution to de-escalate violence in West Asia but fear attracting United States' veto on it.

Diplomats say the veto could have the effect of escalating violence which has claimed more than 300 lives, mostly Palestinians, since September and could result in more casualties. The new draft, proposed by Palestinians and six developing countries who are members of the Security Council, drops the exact number of U.N. peace-keepers. The earlier draft had demanded 2000 observers to help stem violence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The latest draft leaves details to be worked out by the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, but wants him to report back by December 22. But it does not meet the demand of the U.S. that the mission be established only after Israel consents to it.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority Cabinet has said that the ongoing confrontations between Israelis and Palestinians would in the end lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The Cabinet said in a statement issued yesterday following its weekly meeting, chaired by the Authority President, Mr. Yasser Arafat, that the leadership was certain that the intifada would lead to ``freedom and independence''.

The statement accused Israeli soldiers and Jewish settlers of continuing their daily clashes against Palestinians through the use of all kinds of internationally forbidden ammunition, rockets, tanks and missiles.

The Chief Palestinian negotiator, Mr. Saeb Erekat, said after the meeting that Mr. Arafat would visit Riyadh to hold talks with the Saudis and discuss support they promised in the last Arab summit.

- PTI, DPA

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