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July 15, 2011

Arab League to Back Palestinian Statehood Campaign 
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The Arab League is backing the campaign for recognition of an
independent Palestinian state at the United Nations. At a meeting in
Qatar, Arab League members agreed to ask the United Nations to accord
Palestinians full member status in the General Assembly. Palestinian
leaders want the United Nations to recognize an independent state in the
Occupied Territories with East Jerusalem as its capital. The Obama
administration has vigorously campaigned against the move, and Congress
has approved a measure threatening Palestinians with a cut off of aid if
they persist. In Ramallah, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat urged the
United States to end its support for the occupation.

Saeb Erekat: "After the Israeli government has refused the principal of
a two state solution on the basis of 1967. After the Israeli government
has refused to halt settlements, I believe it is time for the American
Administration, if it truly wants peace, security and democracy in this
region to stop treating Israel like a state above the law. To stop
providing the protection for the Israeli actions."



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