Palestinians say Clinton has agreed to recognize independent state

RAMALLAH [MENL] -- Palestinian Authority officials said on Thursday that the United States has quietly accepted the principle of an independent Palestinian state.

Officials said President Bill Clinton is prepared to accept and recognize a Palestinian state but is pressing that the PA delay an announcement of statehood on May 4. But, they said, the Clinton administration has signalled its willingness to raise the level of diplomatic ties with the PA.

"The difference is over timing," said Hassan Abdul Rahim, the Palestinian envoy in Washington.."The United States wants to arrive at a joint position with the PA on May 4. The United States will not say no to self-determinatin. It is just that the timing is not suitable."

Abdul Rahim told PA radio on Thursday that the Clinton administration continues to oppose the declaration of a Palestinian state on May, the expiration of interim Palestinian self-rule. "At the same time, the United States understands that the date is one that has worthiness," he said.

PA officials said an American and Palestinian team of diplomats will meet next week in Washington to prepare for a March 23 summit between Clinton and Arafat. The officials said Arafat will focus on Palestinian plans for May 4.

Senior officials said Arafat is willing to delay independence for several months in exchange for international guarantees that the United States and the European Union will recognize a Palestinian state when it is declared. The officials said the Palestinians will insist, however, that areas of PA rule no longer be seen as operating under autonomy.

"I think that there will be significant changes in the U.S. dealings with the Palestinians," PA Minister Hassan Asfour said. "The United States will seek to maintain stability and prevent an explosion."

Arafat has held several sessions of the Fatah leadership to discuss the issue of Palestinian statehood, the officials said. They said a final decision on a date for statehood would be taken close to May 4.