PLO to submit UN resolution on occupation by end-Oct

The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) will submit a draft resolution to the UN Security Council demanding the end of Israel's occupation by the end of October, a senior official said on Thursday.

The PLO has been under intense pressure not to push forward with the resolution -- including with alleged threats of cuts to US aid -- but secretary general Yasser Abed Rabbo said a decision was taken late Wednesday to push ahead.

"The political council of the PLO decided during its meeting last night. . . to go to the UN Security Council with the aim of getting a resolution passed to end the Israeli occupation in the Palestinian territories. . . by the end of this month," he said.

Voting could take place "two weeks or more after the request is presented," Abed Rabbo told a news conference in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

"There is no excuse for a delay."