Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says U.N. recognition of an independent Palestine won’t help Palestinians or Israelis reach a lasting two-state peace agreement.

Speaking of the expected vote at the United Nations, Clinton stressed that the “path to a two-state solution that fulfills the aspirations of the Palestinian people is through Jerusalem and Ramallah, not New York.”

Alongside Israel, the Obama administration has strongly opposed the Palestinian for recognition. Much of the world supports the Palestinians, however.

Clinton said Wednesday that the U.S. has made its opposition clear to Palestinian leaders.

She told reporters the only way to reach a long-term solution is through Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.

Clinton said Israel and the Palestinians should avoid any actions that make direct talks harder to restart.

(AP)