UN to support Palestinian sovereignty over E. J'lem

The United Nations General Assembly is expected on Thursday to approve a resolution put forth by Nasser Al-Kidwa, the Palestinian observer to the UN, according to which the Palestinian nation has the right to self-determination and sole sovereignty over the West Bank and Gaza Strip, including East Jerusalem.

The resolution notes that Israel, as "the occupying power," has no sovereignty over any part of the aforementioned areas.

Al-Kidwa submitted the resolution to the UN so as to receive from the General Assembly a political declaration that will serve as a counterbalance to the letter of understanding given to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon by President George W. Bush last month, regarding the prime minister's plans to remove settlements from the Gaza Strip.

Bush said Wednesday that he continues to support Sharon's disengagement plan. He regarded the plan as step towards peace in the Middle East. Bush ruled out the claim that his support for the plan prior to the Likud referendum on Sunday was a mistake, and said that the U.S. should take steps towards peace.

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