Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad on Monday unveiled the second phase of his plan to create institutions for a Palestinian state within one year.
Speaking to reporters in Ramallah, he said that his government was planning to create a reality on the ground that would be hard to ignore. The Palestinian government, according to the new plan, would focus on imposing law and order, increasing transparency and accountability and combating corruption.
"In the second year of its plan, the government is seeking to stress national preparedness for the establishment of the State of Palestine," Fayyad said. He admitted that the PA was facing financial difficulties, making it hard for it to meet basic needs. Fayyad said that in the past year alone his government succeeded in implementing 2,000 projects in various fields, including in infrastructure, water and health development.
| How much is being skimmed off? |
Meanwhile, Fatah announced that it would not recognize Israel as a Jewish state.
| Then negotiations will fail. That one's not optional. |
Fatah spokesman Ahmed Assaf dismissed demands that the Palestinians accept Israel as a Jewish state. He said such a demand was in violation of international law and threatened to sabotage the peace talks.
| Then the talks will be mighty short ... |
Accepting Israel's demand meant that "millions of Palestinians would be expelled from their historic homes and lands -- and this will never happen," the Fatah spokesman said.
| Interesting poll results at the link. |
| They're still hammering the 'right of return', and that means talks will fail. |
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