A Palestinian Authority diplomat in London said Saturday that the only way any progress would occur in the upcoming negotiations between the PA and Israel is if the latter changes its positions on the core issues to meet those of the PA's.
According to Manuel Hassasian, the PA's ambassador in London, no progress will be possible unless Israel is willing to change its positions on several key points: preventing growth of Jewish towns in Judea and Samaria, removing roadblocks, and other core issues. In an interview with Arab media, added that the PA could not recognize Israel as a Jewish state, because “it would pose a great danger to the 20% of the Israeli population that are Arabs.” He said the PA had already recognized Israel as an independent state, however.
Speaking in Saudi Arabia, PA chief Mahmoud Abbas said that he would not recognize Israel as a Jewish state. "From a historical perspective, there are two states: Israel and Palestine. In Israel, there are Jews and others living there. This we are willing to recognize, nothing else," Abbas told reporters.
According to Manuel Hassasian, the PA's ambassador in London, no progress will be possible unless Israel is willing to change its positions on several key points: preventing growth of Jewish towns in Judea and Samaria, removing roadblocks, and other core issues. In an interview with Arab media, added that the PA could not recognize Israel as a Jewish state, because “it would pose a great danger to the 20% of the Israeli population that are Arabs.” He said the PA had already recognized Israel as an independent state, however.
Speaking in Saudi Arabia, PA chief Mahmoud Abbas said that he would not recognize Israel as a Jewish state. "From a historical perspective, there are two states: Israel and Palestine. In Israel, there are Jews and others living there. This we are willing to recognize, nothing else," Abbas told reporters.