Palestinians told no shortcut to peace

A TOP Palestinian official said last night that President Mahmoud Abbas had no plans to agree to a delayed vote on his bid for membership of the UN, rejecting mounting pressure from the United States and France.

The Palestinians plan to submit their letter of application on Friday, when Abbas is to speak to the UN General Assembly, but he faced a withering lack of support as the world body opened its annual meeting. US President Barack Obama said there could be no “shortcuts” in the quest for Middle East peace, a message echoed by French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

“We will not allow any political manoeuvring on this issue,” said Saeb Erekat, a senior aide to Abbas and former chief negotiator.