Palestinians Resigned to Defeat in U.N. Bid

RAMALLAH, West Bank-- Palestinians officials say they are resigned to defeat in their quest for full membership at the United Nations and have resorted to a backup plan.

The officials said they would seek an upgraded observer status that would give them access to key international organizations. They were speaking Wednesday on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

Palestinians petitioned the U.N in a unilateral bid for statehood in September. Since then, they have apparently failed to muster the nine votes needed in the 15-member Security Council to approve their membership as a full member state.

The U.S. has already promised to veto the request.

Israel, the U.S. and others say Palestinian statehood should be achieved via negotiations.