Abbas says Palestinian state a reality

JERUSALEM, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Independence is already a reality, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said as his people commemorated Palestine Independence day.

Abbas, currently visiting in South America, sent a written letter to the Palestinian public celebrating in the West Bank and Gaza Sunday, the anniversary of the 1988 Declaration of Independence by the Palestinian National Council, who met in exile in Algeria, Maan news agency said. Officials at the time declared a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza, with Jerusalem as its capital.

Abbas urged the international community to boost its efforts in supporting Palestinians and assist them in achieving independence, and rid them of Israeli occupation, the news agency said.

Speaking to reporters before the weekly Cabinet meeting, Israeli Vice President Silvan Shalom warned Palestinians against taking unilateral steps towards statehood, Israel Radio said. Only direct negotiations will bring about the desired result, Israel Radio quoted him saying.

In an interview with Army Radio, top Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat urged the international community to boost its efforts in supporting his people and assist them in achieving independence. Israel, he told the radio station, is not interested in reaching a two-state solution and is not prepared to return to the negotiation table.