April 15th

PA seeks US support for statehood ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews by Elior Levy - April 14, 2011 - 12:00am While Palestinian Authority is taking major steps to prepare for its impending declaration of an independent state, bitterness is evident among West Bank leaders at the US' reluctance to take a strong stance on the issue. The recent reports by the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund all indicate that the PA has established the necessary governmental institutions, and is ready to function independently. » Read more

UK sends observer to Jerusalem zoning cmte. meeting ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews by Ronen Medzini - April 14, 2011 - 12:00am The British Embassy sent an observer to a recent meeting held by Jerusalem's District Planning and Building committee, Ynet learned Thursday. The committee holds weekly meetings to discuss and advance various municipal plans, meant to promote the welfare of all Jerusalemites, but while other municipal committees of this nature are purely professional, the capital's zoning committee's activities are perceived as political. Jerusalem's committee has the power to green-light building permits beyond the Green Line. Such moves are often subject to international censure. » Read more

Hamas is Missing the Train of History ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz by Carlo Strenger - (Blog) April 15, 2011 - 12:00am The extremist Islamist ‘Monotheism and Holy War Group’ has gruesomely murdered an Italian peace activist, Vittorio Arrigoni briefly after kidnapping him. This seems to have been retaliation against Hamas’ detention of two of its leaders a few days ago, even though it was first presented as an attempt to force Hamas to release the organization’s leaders. This shows, more than ever, that Hamas is running into insoluble problems. » Read more

Lieberman must not wait to resign ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz (Editorial) April 15, 2011 - 12:00am Yehuda Weinstein was chosen as attorney general thanks to his varied experience, including some as a prosecutor in the 1970s and much as a defense attorney for public figures. Weinstein indeed brought to his lofty position, and few are loftier, the viewpoint of the defense attorney. He may not be expected to sign indictments lightly. » Read more

Palestinians inaugurate first West Bank international soccer stadium ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz April 15, 2011 - 12:00am The first international soccer stadium in the West Bank was inaugurated yesterday, with French international star Lilian Thuram making the first kick. The French- and German-funded stadium in al-Birah, a suburb of the central West Bank city of Ramallah, has 9,000 seats and cost more than 1.1 million euros, said a statement. Ex-Barcelona and Juventus defender Thuram - who was on the French national team when it won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 - participated in the inauguration on his first ever visit to the West Bank. » Read more

Israeli settlers wound one Palestinian in West Bank ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Xinhua April 14, 2011 - 12:00am A Palestinian was wounded Thursday after Israeli settlers hit him on the head with an ax near Ramallah city in the West Bank, a Palestinian official said. Mohammed Ibrahim, head of Turmoseya's council, where the incident happened, said settlers attacked a number of people working on their lands and beat a youth with an ax, causing head injury to him. The injured was taken to hospital and in stable condition, he added. There has been no comment from Israel on the incident. » Read more

Israeli chief negotiator for releasing of Shalit to step down ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Xinhua April 14, 2011 - 12:00am Haggai Hadas, the Israeli negotiator heading talks with the Palestinian Hamas movement over the release of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, announced Wednesday to leave his post. Hadas dismissed an earlier report by Channel 2 television that he was resigning out of frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the affair, believing that not all means have been exhausted in a national endeavor to bring Shalit home. » Read more

Israeli PM to address U.S. congress next month ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Xinhua April 15, 2011 - 12:00am Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Thursday that he has been invited to speak before U.S. congress next month, a speech widely expected to reveal Israel's new initiative for the peace process with the Palestinians. Netanyahu said at a Likud Party Passover holiday toast that he sees the invitation as "a great opportunity." Earlier in the day, U.S. House Speaker John Boehner announced his intention to invite the Israeli prime minister to address a joint meeting of U.S. congress when the latter visits Washington next month. » Read more

Turkey tells Israel: Gaza flotilla not up to us ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters April 14, 2011 - 12:00am Turkey said on Thursday it had received a request from Israel to help stop activists sailing to Gaza on the first anniversary of an Israeli raid on a Turkish ship, but it said the flotilla plan was not Ankara's concern. Turkey, a Muslim former ally of the Jewish state, has scaled back ties, demanding Israel apologise and pay damages for last year's raid, which caused an international outcry. » Read more

Turkey tells Israel: Gaza flotilla not up to us ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters April 14, 2011 - 12:00am Turkey said on Thursday it had received a request from Israel to help stop activists sailing to Gaza on the first anniversary of an Israeli raid on a Turkish ship, but it said the flotilla plan was not Ankara's concern. Turkey, a Muslim former ally of the Jewish state, has scaled back ties, demanding Israel apologise and pay damages for last year's raid, which caused an international outcry. » Read more