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WASHINGTON — The last time the Palestinians sought full membership at the United Nations, the mood was jubilant.
Thousands in the West Bank gathered to watch on outdoor screens as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas submitted a formal request in September 2011 for the United Nations to recognize the State of Palestine. Rapturous applause echoed around the General Assembly chamber as the Palestinian leader held up the four-page UN application letter and delivered an impassioned plea for statehood.
The enthusiasm, however, was short-lived. The Palestinians shelved their application when it became clear that they lacked the required Security Council votes, sparing the United States from having to use its veto.
