Security Council Likely to Vote on Settlements Friday Despite Egyptian Reversal

"A UN Security Council resolution criticizing Israeli settlements will likely go up for a vote Friday despite original sponsor Egypt pulling its support, after four countries agreed to present a draft resolution, diplomats said.

New Zealand, Malaysia, Senegal and Venezuela stepped in after Egypt, under pressure from US President-elect Donald Trump, withdrew the measure.

'Most likely, we will have a vote soon,' French Ambassador Francois Delattre told reporters...

The four member states had warned earlier that they would push ahead with the resolution if Cairo stood by its decision to delay.

"In the event that Egypt decides that it cannot proceed to call for vote on 23 December or does not provide a response by the deadline, those delegations reserve the right to table the draft ... and proceed to put it to vote ASAP," wrote New Zealand, Venezuela, Malaysia and Senegal in a note they presented to Egyptian officials..."