Clinton: UN recognition of Palestine won't help peace

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says UN recognition of an independent Palestine will not help Palestinians or Israelis reach a lasting two-state peace agreement.

Ahead of tomorrow's expected UN vote, Clinton stressed that the "path to a two-state solution that fulfils the aspirations of the Palestinian people is through Jerusalem and Ramallah, not New York".

The Obama administration has strongly opposed the recognition of an independent Palestine, and Clinton highlighted that the US has made its opposition clear to Palestinian leaders.

She also urged Israel and the Palestinians to avoid any actions that make direct talks harder to restart.