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Israel Says No Recognition of Palestinian State Before Peace Deal

   Israel  is  responding  to  a  proposal  put forth by France's foreign
   minister in a published interview

   VOA News 21 February 2010

   Israel  is  rejecting  the  idea  of  international  recognition for a
   Palestinian state before negotiations have been completed.
   Israeli  officials  said  Sunday  such  a  move would hinder the peace
   process and take away any reason for Palestinians to negotiate.
   They  are  responding  to  a  proposal  put  forth by France's foreign
   minister in a published interview.
   Bernard  Kouchner told the Journal du Dimanche state-like entities are
   forming  in the West Bank, including a French-trained police force and
   new businesses.
   He  said  he  can envision the proclamation of a Palestinian state and
   international   recognition   of  it,  even  before  "negotiating  its
   borders."
   Palestinian  Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has said he plans to create a
   de  facto Palestinian state within two years, regardless of the status
   of the peace process.

   Some information for this report was provided by AFP.

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