The Telegraph:The Palestinians Have Eight Security Council Votes!

The Palestinians have secured eight Security Council "yes" votes for their UN membership bid, just one short of the nine they need, according to their foreign minister. On Thursday, Riyad al-Maki said that Nigeria and Gabon had also promised they would vote in favor of the Palestinian bid for full state membership at the UN, possibly giving them a ninth and a tenth vote. Mr. Malki told reporters in Ramallah that the Palestinians have assurances of "yes" votes from Lebanon, Russia, China, India, South Africa and Brazil, in addition to the new confirmations from Nigeria and Gabon. "We are working on Bosnia, Columbia and Portugal," he added, saying he was scheduled to visit Bosnia, Columbia and Portugal," he added, saying he was scheduled to visit Bosnia shortly. Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas will make stops in Columbia, Portugal, Honduras and the Dominican Republic in October. Mr. Abbas will also deliver an address in Strasbourg in October 6, Mr. Malki said. The Palestinians need to secure at least nine Security Council votes in favor of their membership bid for it to be approved and advanced to the General Assembly.