Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, is preparing to outline details for a bid for full membership of the United Nations during the UN's 66th General Assembly session.

Abbas is due to speak in Ramallah on Friday, and to hand in an application to the UN secretary-general on Monday.

The United States wants Abbas, who is dealing with the issue in his role as chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, to drop the bid.

While the US government opposes the move, however, there is support for it amongst Americans.

Al Jazeera's Scott Heidler reports from New York City.