A Palestinian conference regarding the nation's bid for recognition as a state at the UN next month, was abandoned on Sunday, after four envoys were prohibited by Israel from reaching Ramallah in the West Bank.

The four envoys, from Malaysia, Indonesia, Cuba and Bangladesh, were barred on the grounds that the four states do not recognise Israel.

The envoys were due to sign a declaration backing the Palestinians' campaign.

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Malki said,

"The goal of this decision, which was issued at the highest political echelons in Israel, is to thwart the efforts of the Palestinian leadership to achieve more successes for the benefit of Palestinians and its efforts to end the occupation."

Criticising Israel's actions, Robert Serry, U.N. Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process said,

"Denying the Palestinian Authority the ability to engage with members of the international community in Area A is yet another step that contradicts the credibility of the Oslo arrangements which affirm the Palestinian right of self-government."

Speaking to Israel Radio, Ron Prosor, the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations said,

"There is an attempt [by Palestinians] to make unilateral moves in order to internationalise the conflict,"

"But beyond what are perhaps the feelings of frustration, it is important to remember that the path to peace really is through the negotiating table with Israel."