Abbas: Talks are underway on new UN recognition bid for Palestine

Abbas said today in his speech to the assembly that "intensive consultations with the various regional organizations and the state members" were underway (AFP/Getty Images)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says he has opened talks on a new bid for international recognition at the UN, but didn't specify exactly when he will ask the General Assembly to vote.

Abbas said today in his speech to the assembly that "intensive consultations with the various regional organizations and the state members" were underway.

The Palestinians will apply to the General Assembly for nonmember state status.

That stands in sharp contrast to last year, when they asked the Security Council to admit them as a full member state, but the bid failed.

Abbas insisted that the new quest for recognition was "not seeking to delegitimize Israel, but rather establish a state that should be established: Palestine."

Palestinian officials said their bid is likely to be submitted on 29 November.

AP