Palestinians prepare symbolic chair for UN bid

[August 30, 2011]  RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) -- The Palestinians are hoping to secure a seat at the United Nations next month. They already have the chair for it.

Palestinian activists said Monday they would take the chair on an international tour to dramatize the Palestinian Authority's quest for U.N. recognition of a Palestinian state.

The wooden chair is covered with embroidered blue upholstery featuring a Palestinian flag and the word "Palestine."

It will be shown to diplomats in countries with influence at the U.N., including Britain, Russia and Lebanon, this month's rotating Security Council president. The chair's final stop is the U.N.

Activist Waled Nazzar says the chair symbolizes the Palestinians' conviction that they deserve U.N. membership.

Israel and the United States oppose the Palestinian statehood bid, saying a state must be established through negotiations.

[Associated Press]

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