VOA标准英语2014--联合国的介入可能影响美国中东斡旋

（单词翻译）

UN Focus on Palestinian Resolution Could Impact US Mediation¹ Efforts 联合国的介入可能影响美国中东斡旋

STATE DEPARTMENT—

In the wake of stalled U.S.-mediated peace talks, Palestinians have presented a draft resolution to the United Nations that would set a deadline for Israeli withdrawal² from Palestinian territories. An increased focus on U.N. action could affect U.S. diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said there were ‘pent-up” frustrations⁴ on both sides and they ran deep.

“Many of us share a deep sense of urgency about this, given the constant threat of escalation⁵ and the dangers of a downward spiral of violence,” he said.

In comments from London, he cited several recent incidents that have raised tensions between Israel and the Palestinians, including the death of Zaid Abu Ein. The Palestinian minister died after a confrontation⁶ with an Israeli police officer.

Kerry also cited an acid attack carried out by a Palestinian hitchhiker that injured members of an Israeli family.

Kerry has held talks this week with officials, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat, in a bid to diffuse⁷ tensions and encourage both sides to return to the negotiating table.

But Palestinians, frustrated⁸ by the slow pace of progress in talks, are looking to the U.N. Security Council -- with hopes of getting support in the form of a resolution.

“We do not have any problem with them filing some resolution, providing it is done in the spirit of working with people to see how we can proceed forward in a thoughtful way that solves the problem and does not make it worse,” Kerry said.

But it was a U.S. loss of clout⁹ in the peace talks that has played a role in the pivot¹⁰ towards a U.N. resolution, said Middle East analyst¹¹ Khaled Elgindy.

“The fact that this process has dragged on for more than two decades is the main reason that Palestinians are looking to alternative forms to try and achieve their political goals. And, they are not alone,” said Elgindy.

He said delays increased the likelihood of U.N. action.

“I think there is a lot of international frustration³ with the lack of progress that the United States has made,” Elgindy said.

Despite delays, the U.S. role remained as important as ever, said Middle East expert Michele Dunne.

“The United States is the only party with a close enough relationship -- and this enormous defense¹² relationship -- with Israel that can actually both press Israel a bit and make the Israelis feel safe in any kind of negotiating process,” she said.

Kerry said the United States was focused on reducing the violence and what he called the “sense of confrontation.” He said the most constructive¹³ efforts for the peace process would come through consultations¹⁴.