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| Israel-Palestine-Jordan |
| Palestinian PM: Declaration of statehood just a formality |
| 2009-11-16 |
| Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad said Sunday that the declaration of a Palestinian state would be a mere formality once the institutions of a Palestinian state are created. Speaking at a press conference in Ramallah organized by the Saban Forum, Fayyad said it is important to create institutions that are functioning, committed to the Palestinian people and free of corruption. Palestinian officials have they are preparing to ask the United Nations to endorse an independent state without Israel's consent because they are losing hope they can achieve their aspirations through peace talks. The announcement drew a harsh rebuke from Israeli officials. Fayyad did not comment on the independence plan. Fayyad spoke at a news conference with U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman, who praised Fayyad's efforts to develop the economy. "I know some people are concerned that this is unilateral," Fayyad said, referring to his development plan. "But it seems to me that it is unilateral in a healthy sense of self-development." Fayyad said building national institutions is an important step in preparation for the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital. He added thatsaid it was the responsibility of the Palestinian Authority to lay the groundwork for statehood, while it is up to the Palestine Liberation Organization to actually declare a state when the conditions are right. Fayyad said his government is dedicated now more than ever to providing resources to West Bank areas negatively affected by settlements and the separation fence. "Our people are continuing to demonstrate against everything that is illegal under international law, including the separation fence," he said. The press conference was held at the end of a discussion Fayyad held with 80 guests as part of the Saban Forum, organized by Israeli-American media tycoon Haim Saban. Some 40 guests arrived in Ramallah from the United States, including three U.S. senators and five congressmen. Forty Israelis were also in attendance, including Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #2 Declare and see that happens to the International Aid you receive. |
| Posted by: g(r)omgoru 2009-11-16 05:39 |
| #1 They dont like the fence? That means its working. Screw'em. And declaring a State is "merely a formality"? When is a government NOT a govt, then? And they will declare a State when the time is "right". yeah , baby, you do that. Blow air up my a**, Abdrool. |
| Posted by: Muggsy Flager5237 2009-11-16 00:44 |