Palestinians prepare to ask UN to endorse independence

PALESTINIAN officials said yesterday they were preparing to ask the United Nations to endorse an independent state without Israel’s consent, because they are losing hope they can achieve their aspirations through peace talks.

The announcement drew a harsh rebuke from Israeli officials.

Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat told Israel’s Army Radio frustrated Palestinians had decided to turn to the UN Security Council after 18 years of on-again, off-again negotiations with Israel.