"It is important to underscore the rightful Palestinian efforts aiming at earning the recognition of the state of Palestine and its full membership to the United Nations," Sleiman told the UN General Assembly.
"Lebanon will back these efforts in order for the latter to succceed with the coordination and cooperation of brotherly and friendly countries," Sleiman added.
Lebanon, Israel`s northern neighbor, is a non-permanent member and currently holds the presidency of the UN Security Council.
President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil, which is also a current non-permanent member of the Security Council, earlier called for a state of Palestine to be fully represented at the United Nations.
The Lebanese and Brazilian stands challenge US efforts to prevent the Palestinians from obtaining the nine of the 15 UN Security Council votes needed to approve their request, to be made Friday, to become a full member UN state.
Diplomats said such a majority is not guaranteed. No vote is yet planned in the Security Council which will first have to examine any application. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
