Palestinians press Security Council members to back UN statehood bid ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz by Jack Khoury - (Analysis) September 30, 2011 - 12:00am Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is due to leave for Colombia next week, in an attempt to convince officials in the South American nation to support a bid for Palestinian statehood at the United Nations Security Council. A Palestinian official speaking with Haaretz on Friday, said that "within the Security Council there are nine nations who had already recognized a Palestinian state, so the Palestinians expect those countries to support the [UN] proposal too." » Read more

PA minister's corruption trial postponed again ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency September 30, 2011 - 12:00am RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- The trial of the Ramallah-based government's Minister of Agriculture was postponed for the third time on Thursday, at the request of defense lawyers. Minister Ismail Daiq faces charges of corruption in public office at the newly instituted anti-corruption court in Ramallah. His defense lawyer has requested several delays of the hearing in order to give more time for preparation of the case, a Ma'an correspondent said. The hearing has been rearranged for Oct. 6, and is being presided over by judges Husein Obeidat and Bilal Abu Hantash and Izz Ad-Din Shahin. » Read more

Condemnation grows against Israel's settlement plans ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency (Analysis) September 30, 2011 - 12:00am BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Pressure is growing against Israel as Russia and Turkey added their voices to the international condemnation against the recent approval of 1,100 housing units in East Jerusalem. "We are particularly concerned that decisions on such a sensitive matter should be taken at an extremely important time for the future of the peace process," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. "We are counting (on Israel) so that the construction projects in East Jerusalem are reviewed." » Read more

Palestinians: Quartet peace plan contains 'encouraging elements' ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz by Associated Press - (Analysis) September 29, 2011 - 12:00am A senior Palestinian official said Thursday that the Middle East Quartet's proposal for renewing negotiations with Israel contained some encouraging elements, after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas convened top officials to discuss the matter. "The Quartet statement contains encouraging elements and we call on Israel to announce its commitment to the principles and points of reference it identifies," Yasser Abed Rabbo, the secretary general of the PLO, told reporters after the meeting. » Read more