11. Arafat arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday as part of a week-long tour of international capitals to discuss the possibility of a statehood declaration. 12. Arafat has indicated he would prefer delaying a statehood declaration. 13. But the Palestinian Cabinet said in a statement following its meeting that it would continue making preparations for a statehood declaration in May. 14. But the Palestinians could just as easily warn that if he did win the election, they would respond with a swift statehood declaration. 15. Clinton is expected to reiterate U.S. requests to Arafat to postpone any statehood declaration. 16. He embarked on a week-long tour of international capitals on Monday to discuss the possibility of a statehood declaration. 17. He has also toured the world in hopes of winning international backing for a statehood declaration at a later time. 18. Heads of state have told Arafat they support Palestinian independence in principle, but oppose a statehood declaration now, said Palestinian Planning Minister Nabil Shaath. 19. He suggested, however, that a statehood declaration could. 20. However, if the PCC backs down from a statehood declaration, Netanyahu could credit his tough policies, including threats to annex parts of the West Bank. |
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