RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- The PLO's executive committee on Wednesday urged Arab countries to vote in favor of Palestine's bid to upgrade its status at the United Nations later this month.

"On the 24th anniversary of Independence, the PLO calls on the Palestinian community and political factions to keep fighting in their diplomatic battle," the PLO said in a statement.

"The PLO confirms that this time is the right time to implement national reconciliation. The UN bid aims to end settlement activities and fulfill Palestinian rights to their land and properties," it added.

The executive committee also praised Palestinian refugees in the Diaspora, above all in Syria, and called on Palestinians to remain impartial in the internal affairs of other states.