Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Palestinians softening their postions - willing to recognize Israel for 67 borders map

(Ma'an) -- PLO Secretary-General Yasser Abed Rabbo told Israeli media on Wednesday that Palestinians would be willing to recognize Israel if the US were to present a map of future Palestinian state based on 4 June 1967 borders.

Speaking to Israeli daily Haaretz, Abed Rabbo said "We want to receive a map of the State of Israel which Israel wants us to accept.

"If the map will be based on the 1967 borders and will not include our land, our houses and East Jerusalem, we will be willing to recognize Israel according to the formulation of the government within the hour," he added.

Abed Rabbo follows comments made by US State Department spokesman PJ Crowley, stating that the US backed Israel's demand for regional recognition of Israel as a Jewish state.

Abed Rabbo continued, "It is important for us to know where are the borders of Israel and where are the borders of Palestine. Any formulation the Americans present – even asking us to call Israel the 'Chinese State' – we will agree to it, as long as we receive the 1967 borders. We have recognized Israel in the past, but Israel has not recognized the Palestinian state."