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Palestinian Leaders Dismiss Call for Unilateral Declaration of Independence
[Jerusalem Post/Ha'aretz] Mark Weiss - PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas quickly dismissed Yasser Abed-Rabbo's call Wednesday for a unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood if negotiations with Israel fail. "We don't think this idea is being seriously considered," one official said. "Everyone - Israel and the Palestinian leadership - is working toward a negotiated settlement." Chief Palestinian negotiator Ahmed Qurei said a unilateral declaration of statehood had never been discussed by the Palestinian leadership. A senior Palestinian involved in the talks explained Abed-Rabbo's statements in terms of simple Palestinian politics: "[Abbas] left him outside the team that is holding talks with the Israelis. This is his response."