French FM: Dubai killing proves need for a Palestinian state

[Violet_Crumble]

The Foreign Minister of France said in an interview published Saturday that the January assassination of Hamas commander Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Dubai demonstrates the need for an immediate recognition of a Palestinian state.

" shows the need for peace and a Palestinian state, immediately," Bernard Kouchner told the French Journal du Dimanche.

Kouchner added that the assassination, which Hamas believes was carried out by the Israeli Mossad, underscores the need for peace in the Middle East.

The French foreign minister also commented on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' acceptance of a United States proposal to mediate indirect talks with Israel, saying that he could envision the establishment of a Palestinian state even before the borders were negotiated.

"France is training Palestinian police, businesses are being created in the West Bank... It follows that one can envision the proclamation soon of a Palestinian state, and its immediate recognition by the international community, even before negotiating its borders," Kouchner said in the interview.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1151042.html