RAMALLAH, September 21, 2011 (WAFA) – Wednesday's issues of the three Palestinian Arabic newspapers, al-Ayyam, al-Quds and al-Hayat al-Jadida focused on the international efforts to avoid a diplomatic crisis as President Mahmoud Abbas is requesting a full United Nations membership of a Palestinian state this Friday.

The dailies reported on extensive US efforts to force Abbas to retreat from his plan, with repeated threats of vetoing the request. Al-Quds featured PLO Central Committee Member, Nabil Shaath's statement that Abbas is focusing on rallying enough support at the UN Security Council and stopping the Quartet from issuing a statement that undermines the Palestinian stance.

Al-Hayat al-Jadida's main headline reported in red on the mass popular demonstrations and activities in the Palestinian Territory and across the world in support of the UN bid. The story also featured Palestinian and Israeli reports that nine Security Council member states will vote in favor of the Palestinian request for statehood.

The dailies printed pictures of Abbas with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in New York on Tuesday.

Al-Ayyam newspaper reported on Israeli ministers' threats of political, financial and military ramifications to the Palestinians for their UN bid, including warnings of canceling all peace agreements between the Palestinians and Israel.

Jordan's King Abdullah II warned the US not to ignore the Palestinian-Israeli struggle, saying that Israeli leaders still bury their heads in the sand and pretend there is no problem, featured al-Quds daily.

Al-Hayat al-Jadida's front page reported on Jewish settlers' attacks and assaults against Palestinians on Tuesday, following Jewish demonstrations against the Palestinian bid. The daily reported that settlers stoned Palestinian vehicles, set fire to trees and properties and attempted to raid several Palestinian villages in the northern West Bank.

An Al-Quds editorial sent out a message to the Palestinians, calling on them to maintain order and discipline during this acute time when all eyes are on the Palestinian Territory.

The daily called on Palestinians to abide by the Palestinian Authority's directions of non-violent activities and demonstrations, reflecting the Palestinian tolerant heritage and refusing to be drawn into a cycle of violence that would thwart their UN bid.

R.Q./F.J.