Abbas: Britain and France would recognize Palestinian state

[Jefferson23]

In interview, Palestinian President says PA seek to fulfill Obama's vision to see a Palestinian state established in September of this year.
By Avi Issacharoff and Danna Harman


Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas reiterated that the Palestinians are ready for statehood, but that the PA does not agree with the Israeli idea of temporary borders.

Speaking to the Palestinian daily Al-Ayyam, Abbas also said the PA would fulfill the vision of U.S. President Barack Obama, who said he wanted to see a Palestinian state established in September as determined by the Quartet of Mideast peacemakers.

"We have more than 130 nations set to recognize the Palestinian state within the 1967 borders," said Abbas,"and even if we make no further efforts, that number could be increased to 140 or 150." He also said countries that in the past had not recognized a Palestinian state, like Britain and France, would accept such a state.

Abbas, who is now visiting Tunisia, will continue to France where he will meet with President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Meanwhile, American and European diplomats warned that if peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians are not renewed, the Quartet, may formally recognize a Palestinian state, the Los Angeles Times reported yesterday.

in full: http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/abbas-britain-and-france-would-recognize-palestinian-state-1.356814

[houstonintc]

1. Peace deal to follow?

What would this due for the peace process? Or would we just now have a Palestine and an Israel in a war for land... I.E what we have had for 60+ years.

Big issues would remain, such as the settlers and their place, and the big issue of Jerusalem and the Holy Sites.

If the Palestinians can get a state started and get some start up capital going that would be fantastic, but I fear it might change little without real looks at the issues ahead.

[Scurrilous]

2. Israeli public figures to sign document supporting Palestinian state

Paper to be part of protest participated by 16 Israel Prize winners in front of Independence Hall on Tel Aviv's Rothschild Boulevard.

<snip>

"Dozens of public figures will stage a protest tomorrow afternoon in front of Independence Hall on Tel Aviv's Rothschild Boulevard, where David Ben-Gurion declared Israel's statehood in May of 1948. Participants, including 16 Israel Prize winners, said they will express support for the declaration of a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders.

The protesters also plan to sign their own written declaration to this effect, and will invite members of the general public to join them in signing the document.

"The Jewish people arose in the Land of Israel, where its character was forged. The Palestinian people is rising in Palestine, where its character was forged," the document declares.

"We call on everyone who seeks peace and freedom for all peoples to support the declaration of Palestinian statehood, and to act in a way that encourages the citizens of the two states to maintain peaceful relations on the basis of the 1967 borders... The total end to the occupation is a fundamental precondition for the liberation of the two peoples," the statement continues.

Sponsors of the event insist it will not be a token protest, but rather part of a larger process that will lead to a legitimate alternative to Israel's current policies."

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