Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat on Wednesday said Ramallah does not intend, following a meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil al-Araby in Cairo, to unilaterally declare the creation of a Palestinian state. Erekat added that Arab and Palestinian efforts would focus on obtaining UN membership, with the recognition of East Jerusalem as the capital of a newly created Palestinian state. Erekat added that Araby expressed support for the idea, adding that Egypt would throw its weight behind such efforts. He also said that resorting to the UN is not intended to isolate Israel. Those who support the creation of two states on the basis of the 1967 borders should also support Palestinian membership in the UN, he said. Erekat said the current Israeli government is not a genuine partner for peace. He added that international law, and Security Council Resolution Number 181, which called on South Africa to abandon its policy of apartheid, provide procedures for obtaining UN membership without Israel's agreement. Erekat also referred to a UN resolution which divided historic Palestine into two states, one for Palestinians and another for Israelis, in 1947. Erekat said that the implementation of that resolution is 63 years late and added that there is no reason why any country should impede efforts to establish a Palestinian state.
