UN's condemnation of Israeli settlements on Palestinian land vetoed by US

THE United states has vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlements on Palestinian land after the Palestinians refused a compromise offer from Washington.

The US move was welcomed by American pro-Israel groups, some of which have previously criticised President Barack Obama's administration for what they see as its record of lukewarm support for Israel.

UN diplomats say the Palestinian Authority, which has been trying to defend itself against critics who accuse it of caving in to the Americans and Israelis during peace talks, was eager to show that it can stand up to Washington. The other 14 Security Council members voted in favour of the draft resolution.