U.S. Endorses Palestinian State

UNITED NATIONS –– The United States endorsed a Palestinian state late Tuesday for the first time in the Security Council, introducing a resolution that also calls for a cease-fire in the escalating Mideast conflict.

The resolution, the first offered by the United States since the latest round of fighting began in September 2000, was circulated hours after Syria introduced a Palestinian-backed measure.

The council convened shortly before midnight and was expected to vote on the U.S. resolution.

As a result of intense negotiations, the United States decided late Tuesday to amend its text by "affirming a vision of a region where two states, Israel and Palestinian, live side by side within secure and recognized borders."