Monday, October 18, 2010

Abbas: Palestinian Statehood Means End to Claims Against Israel


Says Settlement Construction Must Halt for Talks

"Speaking today in an interview with Israeli TV, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reiterated calls for the Israeli government to renew its settlement freeze for the purposes of negotiations. Then, in a significant statement, he said he believed a Palestinian state inside the 1967 borders would end all historic claims against the Israeli government.

The later announcement came as something of a surprise, as traditionally Palestinian officials have maintained that refugees would retain the right of return to lands seized during the founding of Israel as well. It is unclear if Abbas intended that this would be renounced in return for the 1967 borders, but it certainly appeared to be the case...."

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