The Palestinian Authority says it will present its application for international recognition of statehood to the UN next month. President Mahmoud Abbas will submit the application when he is in New York for the 66th General Assembly, due to open on 20th of September. The Palestinian Authority has said it can no longer wait for independence to be reached through the stalled peace talks with Israel. The PA's Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki said Mr Abbas would “personally present the bid to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon” when the assembly opens. Lebanon will take over as president of the General Assembly for coming session, and Mr Malki said the Palestinians were hopeful that this would boost their chances of success.