No date set for UN vote on Palestinian bid for recognition: official ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Xinhua September 26, 2012 - 12:00am RAMALLAH, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- A senior Palestinian official revealed Wednesday that no date has been set for the vote in the United Nations General Assembly to recognize a non-member state of Palestine. Palestinian Foreign Minister Reyad al-Malki, who is currently in New York to attend the UN General Assembly meetings, told " Voice of Palestine" radio that the issue is not related to the Palestinian readiness. » Read more

Q&A: Palestinian bid for upgraded UN status ATFP World Press Roundup Article from BBC News September 27, 2012 - 12:00am The Palestinians are to ask the United Nations to upgrade their status to become a "non-member observer state" by the end of 2012. It follows a failed bid to join the international body as a full member state in 2011 because of a lack of support in the UN Security Council. Here is a guide to what is likely to happen and its significance. What are the Palestinians asking for? » Read more

Abbas set to renew bid to upgrade Palestine's UN status ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The National by Hugh Naylor - September 27, 2012 - 12:00am RAMALLAH // When Mahmoud Abbas addresses the UN General Assembly today, those in attendance could be forgiven if they experience a sense of déjà vu. During his speech at last year's annual gathering of the world body, the Palestinian Authority (PA) president announced his intention to seek recognition for a Palestinian state amid great fanfare and popular support back home. Today, he is expected to make a similar request. Only this time, the distinguished guests will notice the Palestinian leader doing so under less enthusiastic circumstances. » Read more