The year is 1947. Partition leads to the establishment of Israel.<br/> <br />Now Palestinians are looking for recognition. On the eve of a statehood bid at the UN Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas sat down with US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns<br/> <br />The United States is against the move, saying a future Palestinian state, has to come from direct negotiations with Israel.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) PALESTINIAN NEGOTIATOR SAEB EREKAT SAYING:<br/> <br />"Their position did not change. They conveyed a message today that we should not go to the U.N., that we will not realize the Palestinian state through the U.N. President Abbas told them that we differ."<br/> <br />Several European governments are eager to give their support for the bid. British foreign Minister William Hague says British support is conditional.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY, WILLIAM HAGUE, SAYING:<br/> <br />"In order to vote for it we would need certain assurances or amendments. The first is that the Palestinian Authority should indicate a clear commitment to return immediately to negotiations without preconditions. "<br/> <br />The resolution would change the Palestinian status a "non-member state," implicitly recognizing the sovereign state of Palestine.
