Sitting on the fence

A prominent Jewish community leader will seek an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Julia Gillard with the hope Australia will yet oppose a Palestinian seat in the United Nations.
Philip Chester, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia, said time was of the essence before the Palestinian bid is put to the vote in New York on Thursday (around 7.30 am Friday).
''We’re exploring that right now,'' Mr Chester said.
''Our aim is to talk to the Prime Minster at the first instance, others we have to think about.''

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Ms Gillard’s decision on Tuesday for Australia would abstain in the contentious plan to give Palestinians a greater say in the UN caught many observers by surprise.
She was forced to abandon her personal opposition to the plan after a heated cabinet discussion where at least 10 ministers warned she faced a caucus revolt unless Australia at least sat on the fence.
Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/opinion/political-news/gillard-under-jewish-pressure-over-palestine-20121128-2ad9t.html#ixzz2DVaHZnhh