Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas: Mahmoud Abbas

Prime Minister Stephen Harper Dept: UNITED NATIONS, N.Y. - The Middle East conflict created the perfect diplomatic storm over New York Monday for Prime Minister Stephen Harper's arrival at the United Nations for meetings on Libya and Third World health, according to Winnipeg Free Press. The United States has said it will veto any declaration if it is brought before the powerful Security Council, raising the possibility that Abbas could shift gears and bring the bid before the larger General Assembly, where it would have more chance of success, but carry less weight and prime Minister Stephen Harper takes questions from reporters after visiting the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization VIDO at the University of Saskatchewan on Friday September 16, 2011 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Derek Mortensen Frenzied behind-the-scenes diplomacy was under way there to avert the expected showdown over Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's plan to ask the UN to recognize his people's statehood. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.