Deadlocked and probably conveniently for those who do not want to have to vote in the UN Security Council. The Security Council Committee which is tasked with delivering a recommendation on the admission of Palestine to the UN has forwarded its report on Palestinian application for state membership in UN. However, the consequences are not transparent, the same as the report. It is evident though that the Council remains stalemated. Palestine apparently has 8 willing to vote in favor, but needs nine for approval. Without 9, Washington does not have to cast a veto. Washington has continued to exert tremendous pressure on the other 14 Security Council member states to refrain from voting in favor, at least abstain. VETO MEMBERS Courtesy” France apparently is one of those states that is inclined to avoid a showdown in the UN Security Council and keep the US from having to cast a veto. France’s rationale/motive is not entirely clear – whether to help Washington or deflect a potentially explosive situation on the ground if the veto is cast. (Read: “What Next on PALESTINE UN MEMBERSHIP” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/what-next-on-palestine-un-membership-by-ambassador-mo/40429 ). In my experience, the P-5 tend to act in substantively greater concert, particularly the P-3 when vital issues and face are at stake (US, UK and France). It is a kind of courtesy among “veto wielding members.” Perhaps contrary to expectation of most of the public, they tend to avoid embarrassing each other on UN Security Council votes. Palestine Blocked & US Blunted in UN Security Council & General Assembly? Ambassador Riyad Mansour (Photo Above)of Palestine reacted by taking note that “there is a powerful country that expressed openly in private meeting that even if we have fourteen countries supporting our application for admission that they will not allow it to happen.” However, Palestine does not have even 9 votes. More to the point, even the 8 including China and Russia will not commit their influence to find 9. It is also perhaps more strategically valuable for the later two to hold the Palestinian membership issue in reserve, as it will blunt other US initiatives within the UN Security Council and UN General Assembly. In Limbo: United States Ambassador Susan Rice (Susan Rice) said “the Council has done its part thus far and I think reported in a timely and responsible way” adding that “what the Palestinians decide to do next we will I think will all be waiting to see.” Ambassador Riyad Mansour offered “we know that we have strong support in the Security Council” and “we have a massive support in the General Assembly.” The Security Council and the General Assembly are now in a bit of limbo. The matter will continue to be debated. Undoubtedly some compromise will be offered, perhaps by France – membership for Palestine similar to what the Vatican now has and Switzerland enjoyed until a decade earlier. My characterization though is diplomatic trench warfare. Undoubtedly this US Administration has lost most credibility with the Palestinians. Israel’s current government has lost all, and not just with the Palestinians but Obama and Sarkozy - who called Israel’s PM Netanyahu a “liar” according to what was overheard by the media at the G-20. What next? Good question, but not much will be what it appears at least until US Presidential election cycle is complete, (or perhaps until January 1, 2012 when 5 new UN Security Council members take their seat - Azerbaijan, Guatemala, Morocco, Pakistan and Togo). By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX “WarCrimesJustice” Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice