JERUSALEM, Oct 14 : Israel warned on Tuesday that a vote by British parliament in favour of recognising a Palestinian state risked undermining the prospects for peace.
"Premature international recognition sends a troubling message to the Palestinian leadership that they can evade the tough choices that both sides have to make, and actually undermines the chances to reach a real peace," said a statement from the Israeli foreign ministry. Late Monday British MPs voted 274 to 12 for a non-binding motion to "recognise the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel as a contribution to securing a negotiated two-state solution".
The resolution was welcomed by the Palestinians. "It will enhance the European voices calling for the recognition of the State of Palestine and will create the right environment for the international community to grant the Palestinian people legal parity and rights," senior Palestine Liberation Official Hanan Ashrawi said in a statement.     ?AFP