Status of PLO Washington mission upgraded
The United States has upgraded the status of the PLO mission in Washington to 'delegation general.' While this still falls short of full diplomatic relations, it is similar to the PLO missions' status in Europe and Canada. The change became effective on Tuesday, July 20 (Tisha b'Av - how appropriate). Rashid Areikat, the PLO's representative to the United States, said that the decision was preceded by several consultations made over the past year between the PLO Mission and the Obama administration.I'm sure that flag will just brighten up the day in Washington.
Although not fully fledged diplomatic recognition, the upgrade raises the status of Palestinian representation in the U.S. to the same level as PLO representation in many European countries, as well as Canada.
In addition to the name change, the PLO office will now be able to fly the Palestinian flag - although there was some doubt that the organization would gain permission to hoist the Palestinian colors from its headquarters, which it shares with other tenants.
So does this mean that they no longer have to have their lease renewals approved by the State Department? That would be a shame.
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:55 PM
2 Comments:
On Tisha B'Av? The timing was certainly quite appropriate. Considering the PLO is far more radical than the body it controls, the PA.
The lease renewal comes by authority of the President.
For the 2nd intifada, the worst slaughter of Jews by the Palestinians, the Palestinians got the signature for their lease renewal.
For being slaughtered by the Palestinians, Israel got the embassy act,axed more times then the PLO office lease comes up for renewal. Imagine. The silence by our Republican elected officials was deafening as Bush made bad on his campaign promise that in his first week of office he would sign the embassy act.
I say good for the PLO office upgrade. All roads lead to where we stand now. WE just got what we deserved. And if the screaming continues, it is nothing but politically based considering when there should have been screaming there was silence!
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