Addressing the U.N. General Assembly Wednesday, September 21, President Barack Obama implored the United Nations to hold off the Palestinian push for statehood, saying there can be no “shortcuts” to peace, an admonition immediately spurned by Palestinian leaders who vowed to press ahead for U.N. recognition, The Wall Street Journal reported. “There is no shortcut to the end of a conflict that has endured for decades,” Obama said. “Peace is hard work. Peace will not come through statements and resolutions at the United Nations.” While rebuffing the U.S. president’s entreaties, the Palestinians also acknowledged Wednesday that it would take time for the Security Council to consider their request—time the U.S. welcomed as a chance to pry open deadlocked negotiations. Obama met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immediately after his address, and later with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Mr. Netanyahu welcomed Mr. Obama’s speech and the U.S. efforts at the U.N. “The Palestinians want to achieve a state through the international community, but they’re not prepared yet to give peace to Israel in return,” he said.