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EU to Boost Status of Palestinian Diplomats; U.S. to Oppose Anti-Israel UN Resolution
(Telegraph-UK) Adrian Blomfield - Britain is preparing to confer diplomatic status on the Palestinian delegation in London for the first time, renewing fears in Israel that Europe is moving closer to recognizing an independent Palestinian state. The Foreign Office confirmed it was studying a proposal that would see Palestinian "general delegations" upgraded to "diplomatic missions" in a number of European capitals. The move was immediately denounced by the Israeli government, which accused Britain and its European allies of undermining the peace process. "This is really sending the wrong message and I think the Europeans should worry about the consequences of this," said Yigal Palmor, a spokesman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry. "This will certainly not encourage the Palestinians to return to direct talks." The Palestinians were rebuffed on a more important front after Washington told Arab states it would oppose any efforts to introduce a UN Security Council resolution calling on Israel to halt settlement construction.