Moussa: Proclaiming Palestinian state was universally supported, date is a tactical issue

Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa confirmed that the coming days will witnesses an intense diplomatic initiative before May 4, especially in light of the recent statement released by Europe concerning the establishment of the Palestinian state, and within the framework of the outcomes of the meeting held between Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and US President Bill Clinton in Washington last month.

Concerning the intent to retreat from proclaiming the Palestinian state on May 4, Moussa said: "It is not proper to say 'retreat' or 'surrender' within this context," as the matter is very important, thus the matter is not proclaiming the state but the date of its proclamation, because the Palestinian state itself has been universally supported and recognized by many countries.

Moussa said the date for proclaiming the state is a tactical matter "in which we cannot interfere," and the decision belongs to the Palestinian leadership which achieved great success in gaining international support for the state and recognizing it.

Answering the statement on any preparations for holding an Arab summit soon, Moussa said there is no current talk on holding an Arab summit in the coming days or weeks.