D2. U.S. AMBASSADOR TO THE UN SAMANTHA POWER, EXPLANATION OF UN SECURITY COUNCIL VOTE AGAINST PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD, NEW YORK, 30 DECEMBER 2014
Abstract: 

Prior to the UN Security Council vote on the Palestinian draft resolution calling for recognition of statehood (see Doc. B1 above), the U.S. expressed its dissatisfaction with the move and asserted that it would use its Security Council veto to defeat the measure if necessary. In the days leading up to the vote, U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry phoned leaders urging them to reject the resolution. Although Palestinian officials believed Nigeria would support the resolution, thus providing the needed nine-vote majority, Kerry and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu convinced Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan to reject it.

Following the vote, U.S. Amb. Samantha Power offered an explanation of the U.S. position. Power categorized the resolution as one-sided and unconstructive, arguing that peace between Israelis and Palestinians would only be reached through negotiations. Presented below is her full statement, which is available at usun.state.gov.