MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The conference’s Joint Declaration urged both sides to avoid "unilateral steps," to reaffirm their commitment to the two-state solution and stressed that the basis for negotiations should be the 1967 borders, before Israel occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem.
"We are satisfied with Paris conference. It brought together more than 70 countries. They have sent the Israelis a good message that they should move to the two-state solution, they should end the occupation and work towards the settlement. This conference creates a momentum [for the international recognition of Palestine]. The head or the PLO Dr. Erekat called last evening on countries participating in the conference to recognize the Palestinian state. Immediately after this conference, the Palestinian side has sent a letter urging Paris to recognize the Palestinian state. We are hopeful," Nofal said.
"It will not be an easy task to implement all of this because a new American administration takes office these days. There will be a new leadership in France as well," Nofal pointed.
Israel has refused to take part in the Paris conference, saying that it preferred to hold bilateral talks directly with the Palestinian side.
Palestinians seek diplomatic recognition for their independent state on the territories of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which is partially occupied by Israel, and the Gaza Strip. Israel has been building settlements on the occupied territories despite objection from the United Nations.
