RAMALLAH, February 19, 2011 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas said Saturday that the Palestinian diplomacy has achieved a true victory when 14 member states of the United Nations Security Council voted in favor of a resolution condemning Israeli settlements in the Palestinian Territory. The United States was the only dissenting vote, which has killed the resolution.

Speaking to members of the Palestinian Academic Council at his headquarters, Abbas said the Palestinian leadership came under immense pressure in the past two days, “but our concern for the interest of the Palestinian people was bigger than all pressures.”

Abbas said the Palestinian leadership made a wise decision by proceeding with the Security Council resolution, adding however that “we are not seeking to boycott the US administration and it is not in our interest to boycott anyone. We only want to protect our interest and our rights as per international law.”

He said that the decision to go to the Security Council was made three months ago, and that it was discussed with the US and other international parties, which have expressed support for the Palestinian decision. The US, he said, has expressed reservations and asked the Palestinians not to go ahead with it.

Abbas reiterated the Palestinian position that he will not return to negotiations before Israel stops settlements and accepts the terms of reference for the peace process already set by the previous US administration and accepted by Israel.

These terms, he said, say that a Palestinian state will be formed on the 1967 borders with minor alterations equal in value and size. He also said he would accept a third party to monitor the borders, but will not accept an Israeli presence in the independent state.

M.A.