WASHINGTON, January 13. /TASS/. The United States believes that Palestine is not a sovereign state yet and therefore cannot become a member of the International Criminal Court.

US President Barack Obama confirmed this position in telephone talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House press service reported on Monday.

American officials said earlier that Palestine’s joining the International Criminal Court will lead to further escalation of the situation in the Middle East, because this step will allow Palestinians to bring accusations in war crimes against Israelis. However, Palestine is expected to become a full-fledged member of this organization on April 1, 2015. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has recently confirmed this.

The UN Security Council earlier rejected a draft resolution planning terms for establishing a Palestinian state. The United States, which enjoys the veto right, voted against it. Eight countries, including Russia, China and Jordan backed the draft resolution. Australia also voted against the act. Other five states, including Britain, Lithuania, Nigeria, South Korea and Ruanda abstained.