Were Chairman Arafat now to take the unilateral step of declaring a Palestinian state. I fear that it would threaten the progress that has been made over the past 6 years. The Declaration of Principles stipulates that the toughest issuesJerusalem. refugees. settlements. bordersare to be resolved by permanent status negotiations. It is dangerous to argue that the end of the interim period on May 4 gives either side the right to decide an issue that both sides agreed to negotiate. Any action or proclamation by either side that prejudges the outcome of negotiations can only hurt the cause of peace. it invites the other side to respond inkind. and it serves only to delay a lasting peace settlement.
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refugees