SECRETARY-GENERAL’S PRESS CONFERENCE
New York, 18 January 2019
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Question: Thank you, Mr. Secretary‑General. I have a question regarding the Palestinians. I know you met with Mr. [Mahmoud] Abbas this week. The Palestinians now chair the G‑77 and China. There’s… there have been reports that they may again pursue a bid to get full state status here at the UN. I was just wondering if you had any views on that and if that were something you would support. I know that the Security Council has to deal with it, so the reality is, you know, it may not happen, but I was just wondering what your views are.
Secretary-General: It is a matter in which we have no advice to give. I think it’s a matter for the Palestinians to decide according to their own interests. We know what the result would be; so, as we know that, we know the limitations of such a move. But I think it’s up for the Palestinians to decide whatever they want.
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Document Sources: Secretary-General, United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI)
Country: Palestine (State of)
Subject: Palestine's Application for UN Membership, Statehood-related
Publication Date: 18/01/2019
URL source: http://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=18%20January%202019