国际英语新闻：Palestinian diplomacy over recognition of independent state begins

RAMALLAH, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian leadership will start soon a series of diplomatic activities to gain more international support for promoting the suspended peace process, officials announced on Wednesday.

Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said Wednesday in the West Bank town of Jericho that the Palestinians will apply to the United Nations Security Council to gain international support for halting the Jewish settlement in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

On Oct. 2, the Palestinians decided to suspend the direct peace talks with Israel one month after it was launched in Washington after the Israeli government decided not to extend a 10-month moratorium over freezing settlement construction in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

The U.S. failed to pressure on Israel to halt settlement for three months and reopen the direct peace talks to resolve the outstanding issues, mainly settlement, security, borders and Jerusalem. The U.S. announced that it halted its talks with Israel over settlement freeze.

Palestinian National Authority (PNA) President Mahmoud Abbas stated later that the Palestinians have seven diplomatic options in case the parties fail to revive the standstill peace process. One of the options is to apply to the UN Security Council and demand a recognition of an independent Palestinian state.

"The current Israeli government has never been internationally isolated as it is right now, and this is due to its policies and also due to the diplomatic efforts made by the Palestinian leadership and by President Mahmoud Abbas who is keen to the highest interests of the Palestinian people," Erekat said.

He stressed on the importance of cooperation and coordination with Jordan, Egypt and Syria. He also expressed gratitude to Spain, France and Britain for promoting the Palestinian diplomatic representations.

Meanwhile, Palestinian negotiator Nabil Shaath said Wednesday that Abbas will go to Brazil to join the official inauguration of Brazilian President-elect Dilma Rousseff. He added that Abbas will hold talks with her on the sideline of the ceremony of her nomination.

"On the sideline of the official ceremony in Brazil, President Abbas will hold talks with other European and Latin American presidents and prime ministers," Shaath told Palestinian Radio. " It is an opportunity to earn a larger support for recognizing the independent Palestinian state."