The Head of the General Delegation of Palestine to Australia and New Zealand, Izzat Abdulhadi, has told SBS that President Abbas's push for UN membership is aimed at attracting international attention to the Palestinian's cause.
But should the bid for membership or enhanced member status be successful, it will help preserve the two-state solution, so the Palestinian Authority can deal with Israel on more equal terms, Mr Abdulhadi said.
He disputes claims Australia is not behind the PA, saying Julia Gillard 'listened carefully' when he spoke with her earlier in the week.
Abdulhadi also said this push is 'totally different' from final status issues such as refugees, borders, settlements and water.
'These are the issues which on the next day, we'll resume talks with Israel', he said.
