Israel against foreign recognition of Palestinian state

JERUSALEM: Israel on Sunday rejected the idea of foreign countries recognising a Palestinian state without a negotiated peace agreement, after France’s foreign minister hinted at such a scenario.

“Imposing this kind of semblance of a partial solution from outside goes against the very idea of peace,” a senior Israeli official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

“Granting recognition when the issues of the conflict have not been settled would add fuel to the fire. This would only push the Palestinians to be even more intransigent and thus make any compromise impossible,” he added.

France’s Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said over the weekend he could envision the recognition of a Palestinian state even before its borders are drawn up. “The issue before us at the moment is the building of a reality: France is training Palestinian police, businesses are being created in the West Bank,” Kouchner told France’s Journal du Dimanche. “It follows that one can envision the proclamation soon of a Palestinian state, and its immediate recognition by the international community, even before negotiating its borders,” he said.

Kouchner’s comments came ahead of a visit to Paris by Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas. Later on Sunday, Abbas is due to meet with Kouchner in the French capital and with President Nicolas Sarkozy the following day. The Palestinians broke off peace talks after Israel launched a devastating assault on the Gaza Strip in December 2008, and they insist on a halt to Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank. afp



Zimbabwe’s Mugabe marks 86th birthday



HARARE: Zimbabwe’s state media on Sunday showered President Robert Mugabe with praise on his 86th birthday - while the country’s foreign minister condemned Europe’s move to extend sanctions.

State-owned companies, church groups and private firms placed full page birthday messages and ran special supplements in state media, hailing the veteran leader.

“A torch bearer of African self determination, an embodiment of black empowerment, who encapsulates the true African values, an icon of the emancipation of the black majority from the yoke of colonial oppression,” parliament said in a statement on Sunday Mail.

Mugabe, who has led Zimbabwe since 1980 but faces increasing pressure from political rival Morgan Tsvangirai, was to spend the day quietly with his family. Public celebrations will be held next Saturday in Bulawayo, where thousands of people are expected to attend.

“Revered by friends and foes alike, you are well known for your unwavering principles and fierce commitment to redressing colonial injustices,” the parliament message added.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, who is on a list of European Union sanctions against Mugabe and his inner circle, lambasted the bloc for renewing sanctions in his birthday statement.

“The renewal of illegal sanctions by the EU on the eve of your birthday emboldens us all to defend, promote and protect the national interests at all costs,” said Mumbengegwi.

Last Tuesday, the European Union extended sanctions on Mugabe and his associates for another year, citing lack of progress in the power sharing government between Mugabe and Tsvangirai. afp

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