IMHOP: A unilateral state would work in Israel's interest in that the Jews would lose their so called peace partner and then actions could be taken to actually protect the Jewish people and remove Muslims from places where they can attack. Foreign Ministry asks its diplomats to prevent Palestinian moves seeking recognition; tensions mount between Fayyad and PA over statehood.
via jpost.com
Unelected 'Palestinian Prime Minister' Salam Fayyad is at odds with his colleagues in the 'Palestinian Authority' regarding the usefulness of the unilateral declaration of a 'state' of 'Palestine.'hey... I dare you!
The Palestinian Authority reaffirmed on Monday its determination to unilaterally seek recognition by the international community for a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders despite statements to the contrary by PA Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.
The announcement came amid talks in Ramallah of mounting tensions between Fayyad and the PA leadership over whether the Palestinians should proceed with plans to unilaterally declare a state without agreement with Israel.
Fayyad declared over the past few days his opposition to the PA's intention to seek unilateral statehood. He explained that the Palestinians do not want a "Mickey Mouse" state that has no sovereignty.
"We are looking for a state of Palestine, not a unilateral declaration of statehood," Fayyad said.
His statements drew criticism from some PA and Fatah officials in the West Bank.
Yasser Abed Rabbo, a senior PLO official and close advisor to PA President Mahmoud Abbas, announced that the Palestinian leadership would pursue its efforts with the UN Security Council and General Assembly to win backing for a unilateral declaration of statehood.
"We are working to ensure the backing of as many countries as possible [for the unilateral declaration] before the next session of the UN General Assembly," Abed Rabbo said. He also criticized the US Administration for opposing the idea.
A top aide to Abbas said in response to Fayyad's remarks: "The prime minister expressed his personal opinion. The Palestinian leadership has a different view."
Fatah sources told the London-based Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that Fayad's statements were "unacceptable, incomprehensible and surprising." The sources said that the statement contradicted efforts made by Fatah and Abbas to gain international recognition for an independent Palestinian state. PA negotiator Saeb Erekat contacted Fayyad to reprimand him and ask him to explain his comments, the sources added.
Another negotiator, Nabil Sha'ath, said in response to Fayyad's statements: "The Palestinian people do not need the permission of anyone to declare their independence."
