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Arafat to declare Palestinian state on Sept. 13 |
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August 2, 2000
RIYADH (AP) - Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has reiterated he will declare a Palestinian state next month despite threats and objections from the United States, according to an interview published Tuesday. Asked whether he has changed his timetable for the declaration of a Palestinian state, Arafat told the Saudi Gazette newspaper: "Never, never. There is no retreat on the fixed timetable of the declaration of the state. It will be declared on the fixed time which is September 13, God willing, regardless of those who agree or disagree." It was the first time since the failed Camp David summit that he directly answered the question of a timetable for declaring a Palestinian state. In recent days, his aides had hinted at flexibility on the date. Arafat spoke with the paper on Sunday during a stopover in the Red Sea port city of Jiddah. He is touring Arab states seeking support for the Palestinian stance at Camp David. Arafat was in Morocco Monday, then headed to Tunisia and Algeria. U.S. President Bill Clinton, who sponsored the Camp David talks, threatened Friday that Washington would review its relationship with the Palestinians if Arafat presses ahead with plans to unilaterally declare an independent state next month. Clinton also said he was considering, in light of recent events, moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The main stumbling block between Israel and the Palestinians in reaching a permanent peace accord remains the status of Jerusalem. The Palestinians demand sovereignty over traditionally Arab east Jerusalem, which Israel captured from Jordan in the 1967 Mideast war. Israel has long insisted that Jerusalem remain united under exclusive Israeli sovereignty. More Related Stories No peace if Palestinians insist on refugees - Dated on July 31, 2000 "US embassy from Telaviv to Jerusalem": Clinton - Dated on July 30, 2000 Crossing fingers didn't do: lets kiss good-bye - Dated on July 27, 2000
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