Palestinians call for EU to back independence

• Frustration at impasse on ‘two-state project’

• Israel warns of retaliation over any unilateral move

Ian Black, Middle East editor, The Guardian/UK, Nov. 16, 2009

Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat. Photograph: Sebastian Scheiner/AP

Palestinians have formally asked the European Union to urge the UN security council to recognise a fully independent state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in response to the current impasse in peace negotiations with Israel.

Saeb Erakat, the chief Palestinian negotiator, confirmed that the request to the EU was made on Monday as Israeli ministers repeated warnings that any unilateral moves would trigger counter-measures that could include the annexation of more of the occupied West Bank.

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Tags: an independent state, European Union, Israel, Palestinians, Saeb Erekat