Palestinians Seek Israeli Peace Deal Within Year: Draft Resolution

United Nations, United States (Antara/AFP) - The Palestinians set a 12-month deadline to reach a final peace deal with Israel and the end of 2017 as the date for completing the Israeli withdrawal in a UN draft resolution submitted Wednesday. The text obtained by AFP said a "just, lasting and comprehensive peace solution that brings an end to the Israeli occupation" and "fulfills the vision" of a Palestinian state should be reached no later than 12 months after the adoption of the resolution. It also defines a series of parameters for the negotiated solution including a phased Israeli withdrawal from Palestinian territories according to a timeframe "not to exceed the end of 2017." Jordan submitted the draft resolution to the UN Security Council on behalf of the Palestinians, who said they were open to negotiating changes to the text. The Palestinians had earlier said they wanted a quick vote but they backed away, apparently under pressure from Arab countries including Jordan, which is seeking a draft that will be acceptable to the United States. Washington has repeatedly vetoed Security Council resolutions seen as undermining its close ally Israel.(*)