RAMALLAH, West Bank ? Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called on his people to support an independence bid this fall with "popular resistance."
Abbas insists the protests should remain peaceful. Israeli officials fear that mass gatherings could quickly spin into a new wave of violence.
With peace talks stalled since 2008, the Palestinians have said they will ask the United Nations to recognize their state in September. Israel and the U.S. oppose the move, saying Palestinian statehood should only be achieved through negotiations.
The U.N. vote is largely symbolic, but the Palestinians hope an international endorsement would put heavy pressure on Israel.
Abbas' call Wednesday for peaceful protests indicates he is preparing for a confrontation with Israel and the U.S.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) ? The Palestinian president says he will ask the United Nations to endorse Palestinian independence in September even if negotiations restart with Israel.
Mahmoud Abbas' statement Wednesday signaled a hardening of his position. Previously, he had said he would turn to the U.N. only if peace talks remain deadlocked.
Negotiations have been stalled for nearly three years, and U.S. diplomats have been trying to revive the talks.
Abbas' comments to Palestinian officials in the West Bank city of Ramallah indicate he is preparing for a confrontation with Israel and the U.S.
The two countries oppose the U.N. move, saying disputes should be resolved through negotiations. The Palestinians acknowledge a U.N. vote would be largely symbolic, but believe it would send a message to Israel.
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