Seeking to create facts on the ground towards ensuring his political future, PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) appears determined to move ahead with a unilateral declaration of statement, but he currently lacks the support for such a move from key allies. America and the European Union have both recently announced they would not back such a move, explaining a declaration of Palestinian statehood must be the result of agreement reached at the negotiating table with Israel.

Towards achieving his goal, Abu Mazen this week will be visiting in Egypt, Jordan and Qatar, as well as simultaneous efforts taking place with a number of European nations, in the hope of mustering enough support to move ahead with his plan, announcement Palestinian statehood with Jerusalem as its capital.

Abu Mazen’s support base is rapidly waning and he is aware he does not stand a chance against a Hamas opponent in general elections. As such, he already announced he is not seeking reelection, rather than face ridicule, but he has pushed off the late January 2010 elections, permitting himself to remain in office, seeking a way to regain popularity and remain in his leadership role.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)