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Al-Ahram Weekly 25 - 31 March 1999 Issue No. 422 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 25 - 31 March 1999 Issue No. 422
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Focus Profile Features Travel Living Sports People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters The desired effect
Regardless of whether or not a Palestinian state is officially declared on 4 May, I support the Palestinians' desire to make such a declaration, and I respect their reluctance to change the date.
After all, this date is enshrined in the agreements signed by both the Palestinians and the Israelis; the Palestinians' determination should serve as a constant reminder to the world that they have the right to an independent state, established on the land of their forefathers. It should also serve to exert constant pressure on Israel, which is facing considerable domestic and international opposition for its continued occupation. A large portion of the Israeli public, then, feels that the Palestinians should have a state -- a demand sanctioned by world opinion, as evidenced by the fact that many members of the world community have announced that they will recognise this state as soon as it is declared.
On the other hand, I fear that, given the upcoming Israeli elections, a unilateral declaration could anger some voters and prompt them to choose one of the more extremist right-wing candidates. The accession to power of a more moderate government would make it much easier to declare the state, and have it recognised by Israel.
The inalienable right to declare a state, therefore, remains a crucial weapon in the hands of the PNA. Only the timing is subject to political considerations. Possessing a weapon, however, is often far more effective than using it -- which one can only do once.
Based on an interview by Mohamed Salmawy.
