Ramallah — Arab foreign ministers backed Palestinian plans to seek an upgrade to their status at the United Nations to that of a non-member state, Palestinian officials said.

But no decision was taken on when the application would be made, with the Arab League postponing such a decision until its next meeting in Cairo on September 5, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat said late on Sunday.

Timing is crucial, with a U.N. bid before November potentially disrupting the U.S. presidential race.

The UN membership question was one of several issues raised at a meeting in Qatar of the Arab League's Follow Up Committee on the peace process on Sunday night, which was also attended by Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas.