Kosovo, which earlier this week declared independence form Serbia, is a "unique" situation and is incomparable with the status of the Palestinian Authority (PA), American State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters Wednesday. Responding to PA negotiator Yasser Abed Rabbo's declaration that the PA would follow Kosovo's lead if negotiations with Israel fail, he said that Kosovo "is not a precedent for any other situation around the world."

Concerning the talks with Israel, he stated "there still is a possibility of a negotiated settlement." PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas also rejected Rabbo's statement but added that if negotiations fail, Arabs would have to consider other options.