PA: Ahmadinejad's statement only helps the Israeli right

Spokesman says Iranian president's words only put Palestinian intentions in doubt; US envoy warns Erekat: Aid will be cut if UN bid made.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
UN Security Council_311 (photo credit: Reuters)
UN Security Council_311
(photo credit: Reuters)
Palestinian Authority spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh condemned on Friday Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's statement that the creation of a Palestinian state would be the first step in wiping out Israel.
"These words do not help anyone except the Israeli right who are against our bid at the UN, and put in doubt our intentions and obligations to a two state solution based on the 1967 borders," he said.
RELATED:
US officials urge Arabs to resume Palestinian aid
US foreign aid package may put conditions on PA funding
Ahmadinejad's statement came the same day as US Consul-General in Jerusalem Daniel Rubinstein warned the Palestinian Authority that following through with plans to seek recognition of a state at the United Nations in September would draw "punitive measures" from the US Congress.
Rubinstein issued the warning during a meeting with PA chief negotiator Saeb Erekat in Jericho on Friday.
"If the Palestinian Authority insists on going to the Security Council, the US will use the veto," Erekat quoted Rubinstein as saying, according to Palestinian news agency Ma'an.
According to Erekat, Rubinstein added that if the PA "seeks to upgrade its position at the UN through the General Assembly, the US Congress will take punitive measures against it, including cutting US aid."
Erekat said he urged the US to reconsider their position against the UN statehood bid, according to Ma'an.
The US has repeatedly voiced opposition to the Palestinians' unilateral action and both the US House of Representatives and the Senate have passed resolutions saying they would consider cutting funding to the PA if they sought statehood at the UN.
Click for full Jpost coverage
Click for full Jpost coverage