Palestinian Authority delays Security Council statehood vote

The Palestinian Authority (PA) has delayed the planned vote on its United Nations Security Council resolution calling for the recognition of a Palestinian state.

The original resolution was tabled by Jordan on behalf of the Palestinians two weeks ago.

The Palestinians have postponed the bid and made some amendments to the proposal, which calls for an Israeli withdrawal to pre-1967 lines by the end of 2017.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al Maliki had initially indicated an intention to go ahead with the vote despite opposition from US Secretary of State John Kerry.

The revised resolution hardens the Palestinian stance on Jerusalem, future borders and Palestinian refugees.