126 countries recognise Palestine

Hanan Ashrawi, a member of PLO executive committee, has told Arabs Today that the Palestinian initiative to achieve recognition from the UN General Assembly will “loosen Israeli control over Palestinians.” Ashrawi, who was part of a Palestinian mission observing the international position on the UN bid, confirmed that, “126 countries have agreed to recognise Palestine as independent state, and a further six countries are expected to recognise it soon.” Ashrawi says that the PLO has spoken with the international community to determine the best way to convince the UN to accept the recognition. Although the United States loosely supports the recognition of the Palestinian state along its 1967 borders, Ashrawi has called again on Washington not to use its Veto power. “The PLO will remain the only legitimate representative of the Palestinian people and will always continue its legal diplomatic and political role.” Ashrawi considers recent efforts to train the Israeli army and settlers to fight Palestinians as a “serious step that might spark a dangerous situation”, stressing the importance of the UN bid in diffusing tensions.