Report: Russia to Offer Much-Needed U.N. Support for Palestinian State

MOSCOW (AP) -- A top Palestinian official says Russia is supporting his government's bid to seek recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations this fall.

U.N. membership requires a recommendation from the Security Council and approval by two-thirds of the General Assembly, or 128 countries.

Nabil Shaath, head of a Palestinian delegation that met Tuesday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, said "our plan to go to the United Nations will get support from Russia."

Shaath did not specify exactly what he meant by Russia's "support."

Lavrov was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying the aim of talks by the Mideast Quartet - of which Russia is part - is the creation of an "independent, democratic Palestinian state."