India on Tuesday announced another tranche of aid to Palestine and promised to back the Palestine National Authority’s quest for non-member status at the United Nations, an upgrade from the observer status, a move the U.S. has threatened to veto.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced a $10-million contribution to Palestine and vowed to back Palestine's bid for full and equal membership of the U.N. after a meeting with Palestine National Authority president Mahmoud Abbas here on Tuesday.
The two sides signed three agreements, including one in information technology.
“Support for the Palestinian cause has been the cornerstone of India's foreign policy. I reiterated India's firm support for the struggle of the Palestinian people to achieve a sovereign, independent, viable and united state of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” Dr. Singh said at a press conference he addressed with Mr. Abbas.
“We also look forward to early resumption of peace talks between the Palestinians and Israelis, leading to a comprehensive resolution… We continue to make clear that we believe that the only realistic path for the Palestinians to achieve statehood is through direct negotiations,” Dr. Singh said.
He recalled India’s efforts at securing full membership status for Palestine, saying India “will continue to support Palestine's bid for full and equal membership of the U.N.”
