The chief Palestinian negotiator says the Palestinians expect to ask the U.N. Security Council this week to declare Israeli settlements illegal and demand a halt to their construction. Saeb Erekat says the request is likely to be submitted by Wednesday.On that day, the Security Council holds its monthly meeting on Mideast issues.Erekat says the Palestinians will hold more consultations at the United Nations later Monday, and hope to win the support of 14 of the council's 15 members. Erekat says U.S. officials urged the Palestinians not to go to the Security Council over settlements. He says he does not know whether the U.S. will veto the settlement resolution. He urged the Obama administration not to do so.
