Obama grants Palestinians state-like privileges despite incalcitrance

Upgrade in Ties with Palestinians -Natasha Mozgovaya, Barak Ravid & Avi Issacharoff

Palestinian Authority diplomats in Washington will now enjoy diplomatic immunity.

"This decision reflects our confidence that through direct negotiations, we can help achieve a two-state solution with an independent and viable Palestine living side by side with Israel," said White House spokesman Thomas Vietor.

"We should begin preparing for that outcome now, as we continue to work with the Palestinian people on behalf of a better future."
(Ha'aretz)


PLO Permitted to Fly Palestinian Flag

The Palestine Liberation Organization Mission in Washington was upgraded to a "Delegation General" on July 20, Palestinian ambassador Maen Rashid Areikat announced.

The change does not represent full diplomatic recognition, but the office in Washington will now be allowed to fly the Palestinian flag.
(Palestine Note)
*

UPDATE:

Following Obama's Lead, France Upgrades Diplomatic Ties with Palestinians -Jenny Barchfield

To try to spur international efforts toward creating a Palestinian state, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said the Palestinian diplomatic representation in France - which was called a "delegation" - will henceforth be considered a "mission" headed by an "ambassador, chief of mission."
(AP-Washington Post)
*