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October 12, 2010

PA Rejects Israeli Demand on Partial Settlement Freeze
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The Palestinian Authority has rejected an Israeli demand to be
recognized as a Jewish state in return for the extension of a partial
settlement freeze. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he
would order a halt to construction if Palestinians acknowledge Israel as
"the homeland of the Jewish people." Palestinians have long rejected
such a demand as an affront on the rights of Palestinian refugees
expelled from Israel as well as those who still live there. Palestinian
Authority spokesperson Nabil Abu Rdainah said Palestinians have already
agreed to recognize Israel within its pre-1967 borders.

Nabil Abu Rdainah: "What he is saying has nothing to do with
negotiations. We are not in any way going to get involved with such a
discussion. Our position is clear: we recognize the state of Israel;
there should be complete cessation of settlement activities. And that’s
not just the Palestinian position, it’s the Arab position."



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