RAMALLAH, July 4, 2011 (WAFA) – Hanan Ashrawi, member of the PLO Executive Committee, Monday reiterated that the Palestinian people’s plan to seek UN recognition of a Palestinian state is a practice of their natural, legal right to self-determination.

In separate meetings with the British Consul General Vincent Fean and the representatives of the UN at the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Jerusalem, Ashrawi discussed the Palestinian situation and current events from different political, economic and international aspects.

She stressed the need for Britain to play a positive role by presenting a practical vision based on international law, modifying the radical imbalance in the negotiation process through an integrated program that includes a complete cessation of settlement activities, and defining the terms of reference of the peace process within a specific timeframe.

She called to politically and legally support the Palestinian plan to gain full UN membership and to obtain international recognition of a Palestinian state.

Ashrawi, who is also a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, said, “going to the UN is part of an integrated process of self-empowerment and gaining political and legal international support, as well as pursuing Israel in international courts and holding it accountable for its violations against Palestinians.”

She added: “The problem lies in Israel, which wants to monopolize and isolate Palestinians from the international community and deprive them of the protection of international law, in order to exercise its control of Palestinian lands in clear violation of international legitimacy.”