Arafat Applauded for Statehood DelayThe Israeli government has praised the "positive step" taken by Palestinian leaders who have called off their plans to declare independence later this week.It's a positive step than can enable us to proceed," said Israel's acting Foreign Minister, Shlomo Ben Ami, "but it is not a gesture that needs to be compensated." Mr Ben Ami said the Palestinians' decision was "appreciated" by Israeli, although he said he did not regard it as a goodwill gesture. The US has welcomed the move, which Washington called the right choice. And the Russians -traditional allies of the Palestinians - also applauded the decision. "It is satisfying that the PCC did not resort to unilateral measures, which could lead to negative consequences for the peace proces in the region," a Russian foreign ministry statement said. |
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