Lebanese Ambassador announced that the UNSC will meet on Wednesday to start the process of formally considering the Palestinian request for membership in the world body

Lebanese Ambassador Nawaf Salam announced Monday after a closed-door meeting that the UN Security Council will meet on Wednesday to start the process of formally considering the Palestinian request for membership in the world body.

Although a vote on the historic bid is not expected for weeks or even months, the US has already threatened to veto the move.

Ahead of Monday's meeting, experts from the 15-member nations started contacts on how the bid will be dealt with, diplomats said. The council must refer the application to a special committee which will make a recommendation.

To pass, the Palestinians need the support of at least nine member nations, which diplomats say will be a struggle. Six have already thrown their weight behind the bid, seven have not revealed their decision, while Colombia says it will abstain.

US President Barack Obama says the UN bid is an unrealistic shortcut that will not produce real and lasting peace on the ground between the two sides.