Palestine and Israel Court Albania’s UN Vote

Ahead of a tight vote in the UN on whether to recognize a Palestinian state, both sides are bidding for Albania's favour.

Besar Likmeta

Tirana

UN Security Council | Photo by Rick Bajornas/UN Photo

The deputy head of the Palestinian embassy in Tirana, Hani Hussein, told Balkan Insight that after contact with Albanian authorities, they remain confident that Tirana will support the Palestinian proposal.

“We have good confirmation that Albania’s position is gone be visible and is going to support Palestine in this issue,” Hussein said.

“Albania is looking for a two-state solution and for us to live together in peace,” Hussein added.

But Israel is also seeking support from Albania. In June Tirana received a visit by Avigdor Liberman, the first Israeli foreign minister to visit Albania in 17 years, as part of a diplomatic push by Israel to get as many countries as it can to oppose the Palestinian move.

Albanian authorities have no yet given any public indication of the way their vote will go at the UN.

During the course of the General Assembly held this week in New York, the Palestinians have said they will ask the Security Council take up the issue of Palestinian statehood, under its 1967 borders.

Israel's US ally has vowed to veto the bid, which then will go to the General Assembly. The Palestinians will need the support of more than 120 of the 193 members for the passage of a resolution in their favour there.