Palestinian official: No retreat in Palestinian state's declaration

Palestinian Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Nabeel Omar said the Palestinian Authority will not retreat in its commitment declaring the establishment of the independent state.

He said the date of declaration will be determined before May 4 or after it according to the consultations held by Palestinian President Yasser Arafat with the intimate countries.

He added that Arafat will soon make a tour of countries including Russia, Norway, and China as well as other Arab and foreign countries to consult with their leaders regarding May 4 as the date for ending the transitional stage of Palestinian - Israeli negotiations.

A female delegation of many Israeli peace movements expressed its full support for establishing the independent Palestinian state and removing all the settlements established on Palestinian lands after 1967, in addition to supporting peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.

The head of the delegation, Yaeel Hagoum, undertook in the name of the Israeli peace movements presenting financial and spiritual support for the Palestinian Authority.